On March 17, 1999, EPA published a direct final rule (64 FR 13070) approving, and an accompanying proposed rule (64 FR 13146) proposing to approve requests to redesignate Lake and Jefferson Counties, Ohio as attaining the sulfur dioxide (SO<INF>2</INF>) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). At that time EPA also approved and proposed to approve plans for maintaining the SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in Lake and Jefferson Counties. These actions were taken in response to an October 26, 1995, request by the State of Ohio. The EPA is withdrawing this direct final rule due to the receipt of an adverse comment on these actions as they relate to Jefferson County. In separate final rules, EPA will (1) announce final action on the Lake County SO<INF>2</INF> redesignation and maintenance plan and, (2) respond to the comments received on the Jefferson County SO<INF>2</INF> redesignation and maintenance plan and announce final action on the redesignation and maintenance plan.