E7-18964. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Arkansas; Clean Air Interstate Rule Nitrogen Oxides Ozone Season Trading Program

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the Arkansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted on August 10, 2007, enacted at Regulation 19—Arkansas Plan of Implementation for Air Pollution Control; Chapter 14, Sections 19.1401-19.1404; and Chapter 15, Section 19.1501. This revision addresses the requirements of EPA's Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) Nitrogen Oxides (NO_X) Ozone Season Trading Program, promulgated on May 12, 2005 and subsequently revised on April 28 and December 13, 2006. EPA is proposing to determine that the SIP revision fully implements the CAIR NO_X ozone season requirements for Arkansas. Therefore, as a consequence of the SIP approval, EPA will also withdraw the CAIR Federal Implementation Plan (CAIR FIP) concerning NO_X emissions for Arkansas. The CAIR FIPs for all States in the CAIR region were promulgated on April 28, 2006 and subsequently revised on December 13, 2006.

The intended effect of this action is to reduce NO_X emissions from the State of Arkansas that are contributing to nonattainment of the 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) in downwind states. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act or CAA).

DATES:

Comments must be received on or before October 26, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be mailed to Mr. Jeff Robinson, Chief, Air Permits Section (6PD-R), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Comments may also be submitted electronically or through hand delivery/courier by following the detailed instructions in the ADDRESSES section of the direct final rule located in the rules section of this Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions concerning today's proposal, please contact Ms. Adina Wiley (6PD-R), Air Permits Section, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-R), Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75202-2733. The telephone number is [phone]. Ms. Wiley can also be reached via electronic mail at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 relevant adverse comments. 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. 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 rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time. Please note that if EPA receives adverse comment on an amendment, paragraph, or section of the rule, and if that provision may be severed from the remainder of the rule, EPA may adopt as final those provisions 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: September 18, 2007.

Richard E. Greene,

Regional Administrator, EPA Region 6.