Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Amendment to Massachusetts' SIP (for Ozone and for Carbon Monoxide) for Establishment of a South Boston Parking Freeze

EPA is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This revision establishes and requires the Boston Air Pollution Control Commission (BAPCC) and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to control the growth of parking spaces in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. The effect of controlling parking growth is anticipated to be a decrease in vehicle miles travelled (VMT), thereby holding automobile usage to levels within the practical capacity of the local street network. Vehicular emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides will be reduced compared with their expected levels if parking is not constrained. These pollutants contribute to the carbon monoxide and ozone air pollution problems in the Boston urbanized area. This SIP revision adds the South Boston Parking Freeze Area to ongoing parking management plans in the Metropolitan Boston Area. The intended effect of this action is to approve the changes to Massachusetts' SIP. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA).