Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; District of Columbia; Approval of National Low Emission Vehicle Program

EPA is taking direct final action to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the District of Columbia, which formalizes the District's commitment to accept sales of motor vehicles that comply with the requirements of the National Low Emission Vehicle (National LEV) program. The District of Columbia submitted its National LEV SIP revision to EPA on February 16, 2000. Through its adopted regulations submitted as part of its National LEV SIP revision, the District has agreed to the sale of National LEV compliant vehicles within its borders, in lieu of implementation of a California LEV program. Under the National LEV Program, auto manufacturers have agreed to sell cleaner vehicles meeting National LEV standards throughout the District and other participating states for the duration of the manufacturers' commitments to the National LEV Program. A SIP revision from each participating state is required as part of the agreement between the states and automobile manufacturers to ensure continuation of the National LEV Program to supply clean cars throughout most of the country. The sale of vehicles complying with the National LEV program standards began with 1999 model year vehicles in Northeast states. The National LEV program will then be expanded to include states outside the Northeast beginning with 2001 model year vehicles.