Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Region 4 States; Prong 3 Infrastructure Requirement for the 1997 and 2006 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards

EPA is taking final action to approve submissions from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina for inclusion into each states' State Implementation Plans (SIP). This action pertains to the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements regarding prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) for the 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) infrastructure SIPs. The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an "infrastructure" SIP. EPA is taking final action to approve the submissions for Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina that relate to adequate provisions prohibiting emissions that interfere with any other state's required measures to prevent significant deterioration of its air quality. All other applicable infrastructure requirements for the 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour PM<INF>2.5</INF> NAAQS associated with these States are being addressed in separate rulemakings. EPA is also providing clarification for a footnote that was included in the proposed rulemaking for this action.