Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Clean Air Interstate Rule Nitrogen Oxides Trading Programs

EPA is approving a revision to the Louisiana State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Louisiana on August 20, 2007, as the Louisiana Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) Nitrogen Oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) Trading Programs abbreviated SIP. The abbreviated SIP revision includes the Louisiana methodology for allocation of annual and ozone season NO<INF>X</INF> allowances. EPA has determined that the Louisiana CAIR NO<INF>X</INF> Trading Programs abbreviated SIP revision satisfies the applicable requirements of a CAIR abbreviated SIP revision. EPA is also approving revisions to the Louisiana SIP that establish administrative reporting requirements for all Louisiana CAIR programs; these revisions were submitted on September 22, 2006, as part of the Louisiana CAIR Sulfur Dioxide (SO<INF>2</INF>) Trading Program SIP. EPA has also determined that the Louisiana CAIR NO<INF>X</INF> Annual and Ozone Season Abbreviated SIP satisfies Louisiana's Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) obligations to submit a SIP revision that contains adequate provisions to prohibit air emissions from adversely affecting another State's air quality through interstate transport. The intended effect of this action is to reduce NO<INF>X</INF> emissions from the State of Louisiana that are contributing to nonattainment of the 8-hour ozone and PM<INF>2.5</INF> National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standard) in downwind states. This action is being taken under section 110 of the CAA.