Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; Approval of National Low Emission Vehicle Programs

EPA is taking direct final action to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and by the States of Maryland and Delaware. These SIP revisions formalize each of the respective State's commitments to accept sales of motor vehicles that comply with the requirements of the National Low Emission Vehicle (National LEV) program. Delaware originally submitted its National LEV SIP revision to EPA on February 25, 1999, but later revised the SIP on September 1, 1999 to supercede the prior submittal. Maryland submitted its National LEV SIP revision to EPA on March 3, 1999, and amended the plan on March 24, 1999. Pennsylvania submitted its National LEV SIP revision to EPA on January 8, 1999. Virginia submitted its National LEV SIP revision to EPA on May 27, 1999. Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have agreed to the sale of National LEV compliant vehicles within their borders, in lieu of implementing a California LEV program. Under the National LEV Program, auto manufacturers have agreed to sell cleaner vehicles meeting the National LEV standards throughout these states for the duration of the manufacturers' commitments to the National LEV Program. A SIP revision from each participating state is required as part of the agreement between states and automobile manufacturers to ensure the continuation of the National LEV Program to supply clean cars throughout most of the country. The sale of vehicles complying with National LEV program standards began with 1999 model year vehicles in Northeast states, and will extend to other states outside the Northeast beginning with 2001 model year vehicles.