Implementation of the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone: Nonattainment Area Classifications Approach, Attainment Deadlines and Revocation of the 1997 Ozone Standards for Transportation Conformity Purposes

In this final rule, the EPA is establishing the air quality thresholds that define the classifications assigned to all nonattainment areas for the 2008 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) (the "2008 ozone NAAQS") which were promulgated on March 12, 2008. The EPA is also granting reclassification for selected nonattainment areas that voluntarily reclassified under the 1997 ozone NAAQS. This rule also establishes December 31 of each relevant calendar year as the attainment date for all nonattainment area classification categories. Finally, this rule provides for the revocation of the 1997 ozone NAAQS for transportation conformity purposes to occur 1 year after the effective date of designations for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.