Air quality implementation plans; approval and promulgation; various States: New Mexico,

[Federal Register: March 20, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 54)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 14931-14932]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr20mr00-36]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[NM-26-1-6944b; FRL-6561-7]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plan for New Mexico: Transportation Conformity Rule

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the New Mexico State Implementation Plan (SIP) that contains the transportation conformity rule. If EPA approves this transportation conformity SIP revision, the New Mexico Environment Department will be able to implement and enforce the Federal transportation conformity requirements at the State level per regulations on 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 Laws. This proposed action would streamline the conformity process and allow direct consultation among agencies at the local levels. The proposed approval is limited to regulations on Transportation Conformity. The EPA approved the SIP revision for conformity of general Federal actions on September 9, 1998 (61 FR 48407).

The EPA is proposing to approve this SIP revision under sections 110(k) and 176 of the Federal Clean Air Act. The EPA has given its rationale for the

[[Page 14932]]

proposed approval and other information in the Final Rules section of this Federal Register.

In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's SIP revision as a direct final rule without prior proposal because EPA views this as a noncontroversial revision and anticipate no adverse comment. The EPA has explained its reasons for this approval in the preamble to the direct final rule. If EPA receives no adverse comment, EPA will not take further action on this proposed rule. If EPA receives 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.

DATES: We must receive your comments on this proposed rule in writing, by April 19, 2000. If we do not receive any adverse comment, then the direct final rule will be effective on May 19, 2000.

ADDRESSES: You should send your written comments to Mr. Thomas H. Diggs, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PDL) at the address given below. You may inspect copies of the State's SIP revision and other relevant information during normal business hours at the following locations. If you wish to examine these documents, you 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.

New Mexico Environment Department, Harold Runnels Building, 1190 St. Francis Drive, P.O. Drawer 226110, Santa Fe, New Mexico, telephone: (505) 827-4200.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. J. Behnam, P.E. or Mr. Ken Boyce; Air Planning Section (6PDL), Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202, Telephone (214) 665-7247 or (214) 665-7259, respectively. behnam.jahanbakhsh@epamail.epa.gov or boyce.kenneth@epamail.epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: If you wish to obtain additional information, you should read the Direct Final rule 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, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Transportation conformity, Transportation-air quality planning, Volatile organic compounds.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671 et seq.

Dated: March 8, 2000. Lynda F. Carroll, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.

[FR Doc. 00-6564Filed3-17-00; 8:45 am]

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