Promulgation of Reid Vapor Pressure Standard; Michigan

In this action, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) temporarily is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) establishing a summertime gasoline Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limit of 7.8 pounds per square inch (psi) for gasoline sold in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, and Monroe counties in Michigan (Detroit-Ann Arbor consolidated metropolitan statistical area (CMSA)). The marketing of less volatile gasoline reduces excessive evaporation of fuel during the summer months. Evaporated gasoline combines with other pollutants on hot summer days to form ground-level ozone, commonly referred to as smog. Ozone pollution is of particular concern because of its harmful effects on lung tissue and breathing passages. In a parallel action EPA is proposing to make permanent this temporary approval of Michigan's SIP revision to establish a RVP limit of 7.8 psi for gasoline sold in the Detroit-Ann Arbor CMSA. The proposed SIP revision is published in the proposed rule section of this Federal Register. The EPA is requesting comments on this rulemaking action, as well as the proposed rulemaking action. Any public comments received by EPA will be addressed in the subsequent final rulemaking on the proposed revision to the Michigan SIP. An interim final approval action is being taken because EPA finds good cause under section 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) to promulgate this interim rule without prior notice and comment and to make this action effective July 1, 1996, because of the public health and timing concerns discussed below.