Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Basic Inspection and Maintenance Program Certification State Implementation Plan for the Baltimore Nonattainment Area Under the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. This SIP revision satisfies a Clean Air Act (CAA) requirement for enactment of a vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in the Baltimore area--where ambient air quality has been classified by EPA as "Moderate" or higher nonattainment of federal ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) established in 2008 (hereafter referred to as the 2008 ozone NAAQS). The CAA requires states to demonstrate that any moderate ozone nonattainment area has adopted a basic I/M program (as defined by the CAA). In the event an I/ M program was previously enacted to meet a prior NAAQS or other CAA requirement, the state must show that the enacted I/M program continues to meet applicable federal requirements for a basic I/M program. Maryland's SIP revision that is the subject of this action pertains to CAA requirements for a basic I/M program in the Baltimore area for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA is approving Maryland's I/M program certification, in accordance with the requirements of the CAA.