EPA is approving an exemption request from the oxides of nitrogen (NO<INF>X) reasonably available control technology (RACT) and conformity requirements of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA) for the five county Middle Tennessee (Nashville) moderate ozone (O<INF>3) nonattainment area. The request for a NO<INF>X RACT and conformity exemption was submitted on March 21, 1995, by the State of Tennessee through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The exemption request is based upon the most recent monitoring data, which demonstrate that additional reductions of NO<INF>X would not contribute to attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA initially published a direct-final rule on July 11, 1996, approving this request. Due to the receipt of adverse comments, EPA withdrew the direct-final rule on September 6, 1996. This document addresses those comments received and grants final approval to the exemption request.