03-19278. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Control of Emission of Oxides of Nitrogen From Cement Kilns

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The EPA is proposing to take direct final action on revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan. These revisions concern Control of Air Pollution from Nitrogen Compounds, Cement Kilns. The EPA is approving these SIP revisions for cement kilns as they will contribute to attainment of the 1-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The EPA is approving emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen for cement kilns in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act.

In the “Rules and Regulations” section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's SIP revision as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the EPA views this as a noncontroversial revision and anticipates no adverse comment. The EPA has explained its reasons for this approval in the preamble to the direct final rule. If EPA receives no relevant adverse comments, the EPA will not take further action on this proposed rule. If EPA receives relevant adverse comment, EPA will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. The EPA will address all public comments 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 commenting must do so at this time. Electronic comments should be sent either to [e-mail] or to http://www.regulations.gov,, which is an alternative method for submitting electronic comments to EPA. To submit comments, please follow the detailed instructions described in our direct final rulemaking document published in the “Rules and Regulations” section of this Federal Register. Our Technical Support Document for this rule revision contains more information about this action.

DATES:

Written comments must be received by August 29, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Thomas H. Diggs, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), at the EPA Region 6 Office listed below. Copies of documents relevant to this action are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the following locations. Anyone wanting to examine these documents should make an appointment with the appropriate office at least two working days in advance.

Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Office of Air Quality, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Alan Shar, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone [phone], and [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This document concerns Control of Air Pollution from nitrogen compounds, Cement kiln, Environmental protection, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds. For further information, please see the information provided in the direct final action that is located in the “Rules and Regulations” section of this Federal Register publication.

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

Dated: July 17, 2003.

Lawrence Starfield,

Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.