Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plan for Texas: General Conformity Rules

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[TX 62-1-7271b; FRL-5971-8]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plan for Texas:

General Conformity Rules

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to approve a revision to the Texas State

Implementation Plan (SIP) for the State of Texas that contains general

conformity rules. Specifically, the general conformity rules, if

approved, will enable the Texas Natural Resource Conservation

Commission (TNRCC) to review conformity of all Federal actions (see 40

CFR part 51, subpart W--Determining Conformity of General Federal

Actions to State or Federal Implementation Plans) with the control

strategy SIPs submitted for the nonattainment and maintenance areas

within the State. This proposed action would streamline the conformity

process and allow direct consultation among agencies at the local

levels. The Federal actions by the Federal Highway Administration and

Federal Transit Administration (under 23 U.S.C. or the Federal Transit

Act) are covered by the transportation conformity rules under 40 CFR

part 51, subpart T--Conformity to State or Federal Implementation Plans

of Transportation Plans, Programs, and Projects Developed, Funded or

Approved Under Title 23 U.S.C. or the Federal Transit Act. The EPA

approved the Texas transportation conformity SIP on November 8, 1995

(60 FR 56244).

The EPA is proposing to approve this SIP revision under sections

110(k) and 176 of the Clean Air Act (the Act). The rationale for the

proposed approval and other information are provided in the Final Rules

Section of this Federal Register.

In the Final Rules Section of this Federal Register, the EPA is

approving this General Conformity SIP revision as a direct final

rulemaking without prior proposal because the EPA views this action as

noncontroversial and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed

rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no

adverse comments are received in response to that direct final rule, no

further activity is contemplated in relation to this proposed rule. If

the EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be

withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a

subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. The EPA will not

institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties

interested in providing comments on this action should do so at this

time.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received in writing,

postmarked by April 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Thomas H. Diggs,

Chief, Air Planning Section, at the EPA Region 6 address listed. Copies

of the Texas General Conformity SIP and other relevant information are

available for inspection during normal business hours at the following

locations. Interested persons wanting to examine these documents should

make an appointment with the appropriate office at least 24 hours

before the visiting day.

Air Planning Section (6PDL), Multimedia Planning and Permitting

Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue,

Dallas, Texas 75202, Telephone: (214) 665-7214.

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Office of Air

Quality, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753, Telephone: (512)

239-0800.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. J. Behnam, P. E.; Air Planning

Section (6PDL), Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division,

Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas,

Texas 75202, Telephone (214) 665-7247.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: See the information provided in the Direct

Final action which is located in the Rules Section of this Federal

Register.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide,

Hydrocarbons, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations,

Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

[[Page 11864]]

Dated: February 9, 1998.

Jerry Clifford,

Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.

[FR Doc. 98-5846 Filed 3-10-98; 8:45 am]

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