Finding of Failure To Submit State Implementation Plan Revisions for Particulate Matter, California-San Joaquin Valley

EPA is taking final action to find that California failed to make a Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) state implementation plan (SIP) submittal for particulate matter of ten microns or less (PM-10) required for the San Joaquin Valley PM-10 nonattainment area (the San Joaquin Valley or the Valley). Under the Act, for serious areas failing to attain the PM-10 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by the required attainment date, states are required to submit within 12 months after the applicable attainment date, plan revisions which provide for attainment of the PM-10 NAAQS, and from the date of such submission until attainment, for an annual reduction of PM-10 or PM-10 precursor emissions within the area of not less than 5 percent of the amount of such emissions as reported in the most recent inventory prepared for the area (5% attainment plan). The San Joaquin Valley is a serious PM-10 nonattainment area that failed to meet its attainment date of December 31, 2001. Thus, the 5% PM-10 attainment plan was due on December 31, 2002 but has not yet been submitted. This action triggers the 18-month clock for mandatory application of sanctions and the 2-year clock for a federal implementation plan (FIP) under the Act. This action is consistent with the CAA mechanism for assuring SIP submissions.