Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Revision to the Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program-Quality Assurance Protocol for the Safety Inspection Program in Non-I/M Counties

EPA is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the Pennsylvania State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision consists of a change by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the quality assurance program for its motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program (I/M program). Specifically, the Commonwealth is amending a provision of its prior SIP-approved I/M program to change the duration of the timing of quality assurance audits performed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) as part of their program oversight. The amendment allows for these audits to be conducted within five days of vehicle inspection, instead of the two-day window allowed under the prior approved SIP. This SIP revision affects forty-two counties in Pennsylvania where visual emissions equipment inspections are performed as part of the Commonwealth's annual vehicle safety inspection program (i.e., non-I/M counties). It does not affect the twenty-five counties where separate enhanced I/M emissions inspections are performed in addition to the annual safety inspection program (i.e., I/M counties). This SIP revision applies to PENNDOT staff overseeing stations that conduct safety inspections in non-I/M program counties. It does not impact motorists subject to the program or stations that perform emissions inspections. EPA is approving this amendment to Pennsylvania's approved I/M SIP in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).