Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from Rhode Island regarding the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 1997 fine particle matter (PM2.5), 2006 PM2.5, 2008 lead (Pb), 2008 ozone, 2010 nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Additionally, EPA is proposing to disapprove the submissions with respect to CAA section 110(a)(2)(H); a federal implementation plan has been in place for this requirement since 1973. EPA is also proposing to correct an earlier approval of this element for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Finally, EPA is proposing to approve several statutes submitted by Rhode Island in support of their demonstration that the infrastructure requirements of the CAA have been met. The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA.