Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Virginia; Interim Final Determination that the Richmond, Virginia Ozone Nonattainment Area is Exempt From NOINFX RACT Requirements for Purposes of Staying Sanctions

Elsewhere in today's Federal Register, EPA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing approval of the Commonwealth of Virginia's petition to exempt the Richmond ozone nonattainment area from the nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X) reasonably available control technology (RACT) requirement under section 182(f) of the Clean Air Act (Act). Based on the proposed approval, EPA is making an interim final determination by this action that, with respect to the NO<INF>X RACT requirement, the State, contingent upon continued monitoring of attainment of the ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), has corrected the deficiency which was the basis for the sanctions clock . This action will stay the application of the offset sanction which was imposed January 8, 1996 and, if final action is not taken by July 8, 1996, defer the application of the highway sanction. Although this action is effective upon publication, EPA will take comment on this interim final determination as well as EPA's proposed approval of the State's submittal. EPA will publish a final action taking into consideration any comments received on EPA's proposed action and this interim final action.