Outer Continental Shelf Air Regulations; Consistency Update for Alaska

On March 1, 2001, the EPA published a direct final rule (66 FR 12982), and an accompanying proposed rule (66 FR 12986) updating the Outer Continental Shelf ("OCS") Air Regulations as they apply to OCS sources off the coast of Alaska. The direct final rule indicated that the rule was effective April 16, 2001, unless EPA received adverse comment on the rule by April 2, 2001. The Federal Register action also indicated that if adverse comment was received, EPA would publish a withdrawal of the final rule. On March 9, 2001, EPA received adverse comments from the International Association of Drilling Contractors. Accordingly, EPA is removing the amendment made by that final rule due to the adverse public comments received and reinstating the previous regulatory text. In a subsequent action, EPA will summarize and respond to the comments received on the OCS Air Regulations as they apply to OCS sources off the coast of Alaska.