Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Approval of National Low Emission Vehicle Program

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[R1-052-7211b; A-1-FRL-6417-4]

Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans;

Connecticut; Approval of National Low Emission Vehicle Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP)

revision submitted by the State of Connecticut on February 7, 1996 and

February 18, 1999, providing that the national low emission vehicle

(National LEV) is an acceptable compliance option for new motor

vehicles sold in the State, which had previously adopted the California

low emission vehicle (CAL LEV) program. Auto

[[Page 44451]]

manufacturers have agreed to sell these cleaner vehicles throughout the

State for the duration of the National LEV program. This SIP revision

is required as part of the agreement between States and automobile

manufacturers to ensure the continuation of this program to bring clean

cars throughout the country, beginning with 1999 model year vehicles.

In the Final Rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving

the State's SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal

because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal 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 this action, no further activity is

contemplated. If 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will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in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. EPA will not

institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting

on this action should do so at this time.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 15,

1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Susan Studlien, Deputy Director,

Office of Ecosystem Protection (mail code CAA), U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, Region I, One Congress Street, Suite 1100, Boston,

MA 02114. Copies of the State submittal and EPA's technical support

document are available for public inspection during normal business

hours, by appointment, at the Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, Region I, One Congress Street, 11th

floor, Boston, MA, and Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center,

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, (LE-131),

Washington, DC 20460. In addition, the information is available at the

Bureau of Air Management, Department of Environmental Protection, State

Office Building, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-1630.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert C. Judge, (617) 918-1045.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For additional information, see the direct

final rule which is located in the Rules section of this Federal

Register.

Dated: July 28, 1999.

John P. DeVillars,

Regional Administrator, Region I.

[FR Doc. 99-21005 Filed 8-13-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P