Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Redesignation, Maintenance Plan, and Emissions Inventories for Reading; Ozone Redesignations Policy Change

EPA is approving a redesignation request for the Reading, Pennsylvania ozone nonattainment area, and State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The revisions consist of a maintenance plan and 1990 base year inventories for the Reading area (Berks County, Pennsylvania). In addition, for the purposes of redesignation, EPA is proposing to approve Pennsylvania's legislative authority to adopt and implement a vehicle inspection and maintenance program. These actions are being taken under sections 107 and 110 of the Clean Air Act. Furthermore, EPA is changing its policy on redesignation requirements for ozone nonattainment areas in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR). The policy change makes redesignation requirements for areas in the OTR consistent with requirements for areas outside the OTR by interpreting meeting the requirements under section 184 of the Clean Air Act as not being a prerequisite for the purpose of redesignation. The policy does not affect obligations required under other sections of the Act.