Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Jersey; Approval of National Low Emission Vehicle Program

Résumé

EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of New Jersey on February 22, 1999. That revision committed that the State will accept compliance with the National Low Emission Vehicle (National LEV) program requirements as a compliance option for new motor vehicles sold in the State. New Jersey has previously adopted the California Low Emission Vehicle (CAL LEV) program, but the State has made clear that National LEV is the preferred motor vehicle control program. Auto manufacturers have agreed to sell cleaner vehicles meeting the National LEV standards throughout New Jersey for the duration of the manufacturers' commitments to the National LEV program. This SIP revision 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, beginning with 1999 model year vehicles in Northeastern states and extending to other states beginning with 2001 model year vehicles. In the Final Rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal because