Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Lawn Service Equipment Operating Restrictions; and Requirements for Motor Vehicle Idling for the Houston/Galveston (HG) Ozone Nonattainment Area

The EPA is approving revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan. This approval covers two separate actions. We are approving: a rule that implements an operating-use restriction program requiring that the handheld and non-handheld spark-ignition engines, rated at 25 hp and below, be restricted from use by commercial operators between the hours of 6 a.m. and noon, April 1 through October 31, in the counties Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery; and, a rule to implement idling limits for gasoline and diesel-powered engines in heavy-duty motor vehicles in the HG area counties of Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller. The EPA is approving these revisions to the Texas SIP to regulate emissions of nitrogen oxides ( NO<INF>X</INF>) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act). These new rules will contribute to attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone standard in the HG ozone nonattainment area. For details on the SIP submittals and the EPA analysis of the submittals, refer to the June 11, 2001 proposed rule, and the associated Technical Support Document (TSD).