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

[Federal Register: July 8, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 130)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 36831]

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

[DOCID:fr08jy99-23]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[TX-56-1-7391b; FRL-6372-5]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plan for Texas: Transportation Conformity Rule

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: We, the EPA, are proposing to approve a revision to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) that contains transportation conformity rules. If we approve this transportation conformity SIP revision, the State will be able to implement and enforce the Federal transportation conformity requirements at the State level per 40 CFR part 51, subpart T and 40 CFR part 93, subpart A--Conformity to State or Federal Implementation Plans of Transportation Plans, Programs, and Projects Developed, Funded or Approved Under Title 23 U.S.C. of the Federal Transit Laws. Our proposed action would streamline the conformity process and allow direct consultation among agencies at the local levels. Our proposed approval is limited to 40 CFR part 51, subpart T and 40 CFR part 93, subpart A (Transportation Conformity). We approved the SIP revision for conformity of general Federal actions (under 40 CFR part 51, subpart W) on March 11, 1998 (63 FR 11833).

We are proposing to approve this SIP revision under sections 110(k) and 176 of the Clean Air Act. We have given our rationale for the proposed approval and other information in the Final Rules section of this Federal Register.

In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of Federal Register, we are approving the State's SIP revision as a direct final rule without prior proposal because we view this as a noncontroversial revision and anticipate no adverse comment. We have explained our reasons for this approval in the preamble to the direct final rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. We will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. We 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, postmarked by August 9, 1999.

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.

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753, Telephone: (512) 239-1749.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. J. Behnam, P. E.; Air Planning Section (6PDL), Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202, Telephone (214) 665-7247.

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: June 9, 1999. W.B. Hathaway, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.

[FR Doc. 99-17203Filed7-7-99; 8:45 am]

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