CFR > Title 40 - Protection of Environment > CHAPTER I—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY > SUBCHAPTER C—AIR PROGRAMS (Parts 50–99) > PART 56—REGIONAL CONSISTENCY > 56.5—Mechanisms for fairness and uniformity—Responsibilities of Regional Office employees.

56.5—Mechanisms for fairness and uniformity—Responsibilities of Regional Office employees.

(a) Each responsible official in a Regional Office, including the Regional Administrator, shall assure that actions taken under the act:
(1) Are carried out fairly and in a manner that is consistent with the Act and Agency policy as set forth in the Agency rules and program directives,
(2) Are as consistent as reasonably possible with the activities of other Regional Offices, and
(3) Comply with the mechanisms developed under § 56.4 of this part.
(b) A responsible official in a Regional Office shall seek concurrence from the appropriate EPA Headquarters office on any interpretation of the Act, or rule, regulation, or program directive when such interpretation may result in inconsistent application among the Regional Offices of the act or rule, regulation, or program directive.
(c) In reviewing State Implementation Plans, the Regional Office shall follow the provisions of the guideline, revisions to State Implementation Plans—Procedures for Approval/Disapproval Actions, OAQPS No. 1.2-005A, or revision thereof. Where regulatory actions may involve inconsistent application of the requirements of the act, the Regional Offices shall classify such actions as special actions.