Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Determination of Attainment of the 1997 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the Baltimore, Maryland Serious Nonattainment Area

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make a determination that the Baltimore, Maryland Serious Nonattainment Area (Baltimore Area) has attained the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This proposed determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data that shows the Area has monitored attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2012-2014 monitoring period. If this proposal becomes final, the requirement for this Area to submit an attainment demonstration, reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, and contingency measures related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS shall be suspended for so long as the Area continues to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This action does not constitute a redesignation to attainment. The Baltimore Area will remain nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS until such time as EPA determines that the Baltimore Area meets the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for redesignation to attainment, including an approved maintenance plan. This action is being taken under the CAA.