[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 54 (Monday, March 20, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14931-14932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-6564]


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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.

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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. [email protected] or 
[email protected].

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. 00-6564 Filed 3-17-00; 8:45 am]
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