Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans for the State of Alabama

EPA is disapproving the State of Alabama's request submitted through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's (ADEM) to redesignate the Birmingham marginal ozone nonattainment area (Jefferson and Shelby Counties) to attainment and the associated maintenance plan as a revision to the state implementation plan (SIP). Prior to the close of the administrative record, EPA determined that the area registered a violation of the ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). As a result, the Birmingham area no longer meets the statutory criteria for redesignation to attainment of the ozone NAAQS.