Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality State Implementation Plans (SIP); Alabama: Control of Gasoline Sulfur and Volatility

EPA is approving a SIP revision submitted by the State of Alabama establishing low-sulfur and low-Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements for gasoline distributed in the Birmingham nonattainment area (Shelby and Jefferson counties in Alabama). Alabama developed these fuel requirements to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds as part of the State's strategy to achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone in the Birmingham nonattainment area. EPA is approving Alabama's fuel requirement into the SIP because these fuel requirements are in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (the Act), and are necessary for the Birmingham nonattainment area to achieve the 1- hour ozone NAAQS in a timely manner.