Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Determination of Attainment of the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard for the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley Nonattainment Area

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making a determination of attainment regarding the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley, Pennsylvania fine particulate matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as "the Pittsburgh Area" or "the Area"). EPA has determined that the Pittsburgh Area has attained the 2006 24-hour PM<INF>2.5</INF> National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), based upon quality-assured and certified ambient air monitoring data for 2010-2012. Preliminary data for 2013 show that the area continues to attain the standard. This determination of attainment suspends the requirements for the Pittsburgh Area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions related to the attainment of the standard for so long as the Area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour PM<INF>2.5</INF> NAAQS. This action does not constitute a redesignation to attainment under section 107(d)(3) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The designation status of the Pittsburgh Area will remain nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM<INF>2.5</INF> NAAQS until such time as EPA determines that the Pittsburgh Area meets the CAA requirements for redesignation to attainment, including an approved maintenance plan. EPA is also approving the 2011 motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs) used for transportation conformity purposes for the Pittsburgh Area. This action is being taken under the CAA.