Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Georgia: Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance Plan

EPA is approving revisions to the Georgia State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR), through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD), on December 28, 2007. The revisions include minor changes to Georgia's Air Quality Rules found at Chapter 391-3-20-.17, pertaining to rules for Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance (I/M). Enhanced I/M was required for 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas classified as serious and above, under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The enhanced I/M program is not a required measure for Atlanta for the 8-hour ozone standard pursuant to the CAA because the area is classified as a moderate nonattainment area (73 FR 12013). However, the enhanced I/M program was approved into the SIP for the 1-hour ozone standard and will remain in the SIP until such time that the State removes the requirement. To remove the requirement from the SIP, the State would have to make a demonstration that removal of this program would not interfere with or delay attainment, consistent with section 110(1) of the CAA. The I/M program is a way to ensure that vehicles are maintained properly and verify that the emission control system is operating correctly, in order to reduce vehicle-related emissions. This action is being taken pursuant to section 110 of the CAA.