Air Quality Designations for the Fine Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Notice of Actions Denying Petitions for Reconsideration

The EPA is providing notice that it has responded to sixteen petitions for reconsideration of the air quality designations for the fine particle (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The PM<INF>2.5</INF> designations were published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2005, and a supplemental notice to this action was published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2005. Subsequent to the publication of this action, a total of sixteen petitions for reconsideration were received by EPA. The EPA considered the petitions and supporting information along with information contained in the rulemaking docket in reaching a decision on the petitions. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson denied the petitions for reconsideration in separate letters to the petitioners issued between December 2005 and October 2007. The letters explain EPA's reasons for the denials.