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

[Federal Register: April 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 69)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 19031]

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

[DOCID:fr12ap05-21]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[R06-OAR-2005-TX-0019; FRL-7898-6]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Agreed Orders in the Beaumont/Port Arthur Ozone Nonattainment Area

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 (SIP). This rulemaking covers eight Agreed Orders with six companies in the Beaumont/Port Arthur (B/ PA) ozone nonattainment area. We are approving the eight Agreed Orders between the State of Texas and the six companies in Southeast Texas as a strengthening of the Texas SIP. These Agreed Orders will contribute to the improvement in air quality in the B/PA nonattainment area and will continue to contribute to the maintenance of the ozone standard in the southeastern portion of the State of Texas. The EPA is proposing to approve this SIP in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act), sections 110 and 116.

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 the 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 upon 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. Please note that if we receive significant adverse comments on an amendment, paragraph or section of this rule and if that provision is independent of the remainder of the rule, we may adopt as final those provisions of the rule that are not the subject of an adverse comment.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before May 12, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Mr. Thomas Diggs, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), 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: Guy Donaldson, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7242; fax number 214-665-7263; e-mail address donaldson.guy@epa.gov.

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 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 rule, no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives significant 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 significant adverse comment on an amendment, paragraph, or section of this rule and if that provision is independent of 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: March 11, 2005. Lawrence E. Starfield, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.

[FR Doc. 05-7303 Filed 4-11-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P