03-22540. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Operating Permits Program; State of Nebraska

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

EPA proposes to approve a revision to the Nebraska State Implementation Plan (SIP) and Operating Permits Program. On September 5, 2002, the state updated its air program construction and operating permitting rules, its definitions rule, and emission inventory reporting rule. Approval of these revisions will ensure consistency between the state and Federally-approved rules, and ensure Federal enforceability of the state's revised air program rules.

DATES:

Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by October 6, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be submitted either by mail or electronically. Written comments should be mailed to Wayne Kaiser, Environmental Protection Agency, Air Planning and Development Branch, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101. Electronic comments should be sent either to Wayne Kaiser at [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 “What action is EPA taking” in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the direct final rule which is located in the rules section of the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Wayne Kaiser at [phone] or by e-mail at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In the final rules section of the Federal Register, EPA is approving the state's SIP revision as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial revision amendment and anticipates no relevant adverse comments to this action. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no relevant adverse comments are received in response to this action, no further activity is contemplated in relation to this action. If EPA receives relevant adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed action. EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time. Please note that if EPA receives adverse comment on part of this rule and if that part can be severed from the remainder of the rule, EPA may adopt as final those parts of the rule that are not the subject of an adverse comment. For additional information, see the direct final rule which is located in the rules section of this Federal Register.

Dated: August 22, 2003.

Cecilia Tapia,

Acting Regional Administrator, Region 7.