The EPA is taking final action to stay its authority to determine that the 1-hour national ambient air quality standard for ozone no longer applies in areas that meet that standard. Under an existing EPA rule, EPA can determine that the 1-hour standard no longer applies to an area upon finding that the area has met that standard. The final stay will ensure that the 1-hour standard remains in place nationwide until EPA issues a new rule governing how and when the 1- hour standard should be removed. EPA is addressing that issue as part of a proposed rule for implementing the 8-hour ozone standard (68 FR 32801, June 2, 2003), and is providing the public an opportunity to comment on the issue. The stay will remain effective until the Agency takes final action revising or reinstating its authority to remove the 1-hour ozone standard, and addresses any public comments received on certain relevant issues. This final rule addresses comments received during the comment period on the previously proposed rule issued December 27, 2002.