Phase I Finding of Failure to Submit Required State Implementation Plans for the Philadelphia Ozone Nonattainment Area; Pennsylvania

EPA is taking final action in making a finding, under the Clean Air Act (ACT), that Pennsylvania failed to make a complete ozone nonattainment submittal required for the Philadelphia nonattainment area under the Act. Under certain provisions of the Act, as implemented consistent with a memorandum issued by EPA Assistant Administrator Mary D. Nichols, on March 2, 1995, Pennsylvania was required to submit SIP measures providing for certain percentage reductions in emissions of ozone precursors, termed ``rate-of-progress'' reductions; as well as SIP commitments to submit SIP measures providing for the remaining required rate-of-progress reductions and any additional emission reductions needed for attainment of the ozone ambient air quality standard in Philadelphia. This action triggers the 18 month time clock for mandatory application of sanctions in Pennsylvania under the Act. This action is consistent with the CAA mechanism for assuring SIP submittals.