Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Alabama: Volatile Organic Compounds

EPA is taking direct final action to approve a revision to the Alabama State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) on March 3, 2010. The revision modifies the definition of "volatile organic compounds" (VOCs) found at Alabama Administrative Code (AAC) section 335-3- 1-.02(gggg). Specifically, the revision adds two compounds (propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate) to the list of those excluded from the VOC definition on the basis that these compounds make a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation. ADEM is updating its SIP to be consistent with the EPA rule finalized on January 21, 2009, which excludes these compounds from the regulatory VOC definition. This action is being taken pursuant to Section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).