Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island; Approval of National Low Emission Vehicle Program

EPA is taking final action to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted individually by the States of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, committing that each State will accept compliance with the National Low Emission Vehicle (National LEV) program requirements as a compliance option for new motor vehicles sold in the State. Connecticut submitted its SIP revision on February 7, 1996 and February 18, 1999. EPA proposed approval of this submittal in a direct final rulemaking action on August 16, 1999 (64 FR 44450), and received adverse comments. Rhode Island's submittal was made on February 22, 1999 and November 17, 1999. New Hampshire's National LEV submittal was made on August 16, 1999. EPA proposed approval of New Hampshire's and Rhode Island's SIPs on December 22, 1999 (64 FR 71705). EPA received no comments on that proposal. In this action, EPA is responding to the comments received on Connecticut's National LEV SIP commitment, and is approving the National LEV SIP commitments for Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.