[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 28806]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-13925]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[NM 22-1-7103a; FRL-5831-3]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plan for New Mexico: 
General Conformity Rules

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Withdrawal of direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The EPA published, without prior proposal, a Federal Register 
(FR) action approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision 
submitted by the State of New Mexico for general conformity in 
fulfilling the requirements of 40 CFR part 52, subpart W--Determining 
Conformity of General Federal Actions to State or Federal 
Implementation Plans. The direct final approval action was published on 
March 26, 1997 (62 FR 14332). The EPA subsequently received an adverse 
comment on the action. Therefore, EPA is withdrawing its direct final 
approval action. The public comment received will be addressed in a 
subsequent final rulemaking action.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This withdrawal is effective on May 27, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the New Mexico General Conformity SIP and other 
relevant information are available for inspection during normal 
business hours at the following locations. Interested persons wanting 
to examine these documents 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.
    Air Quality Bureau, New Mexico Environment Department, 1190 St. 
Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502, Telephone: (505) 827-0042.

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:

I. Background

    On March 26, 1997, EPA published a direct final action for 
approving the New Mexico general conformity SIP revision without a 
prior proposal action. Subsequently, EPA received an adverse comment on 
the direct final action. The commenter cited that a section in the New 
Mexico general conformity rule is more stringent than the Federal rule.

II. Withdrawal Action

    The EPA is withdrawing its direct final approval action on the New 
Mexico general conformity SIP revision which was submitted by the 
Governor on July 18, 1996. The direct final approval action was 
published in the Federal Register of March 26, 1997 (62 FR 14332). The 
EPA is taking this action because an adverse comment was received 
during the public notice period. A subsequent final action will be 
published in the Federal Register for addressing the public comment. 
This withdrawal action is effective May 27, 1997.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
General conformity, Hydrocarbons, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen 
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: May 16, 1997.
Jerry Clifford,
Acting Regional Administrator.

    2. Accordingly, the direct final rule published on March 26, 1997 
(62 FR 14332) that amended 40 CFR 52.1620 is withdrawn.
[FR Doc. 97-13925 Filed 5-27-97; 8:45 am]
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