Environmental Protection Agency Docket EPA-R10-OAR-2019-0574 Proposed Rule

2021-17734: Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Washington; Low Emission Vehicle Program

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Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) pertaining to adoption by reference of a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program by the State of Washington. The Clean Air Act (CAA) grants authority to the EPA to adopt federal standards relating to the control of emissions from new motor vehicles, and generally preempts states from doing so. However, the CAA provides California the ability to adopt and enforce its own new motor vehicle emission standards, as long as the EPA approves California's standards via a preemption waiver. The CAA also allows other states to adopt California's new motor vehicle emission standards for which the EPA has granted such a waiver providing other relevant criteria are met. Washington adopted California's LEV emission standards in 2005, effective with new vehicles sold in model year 2009. Washington subsequently amended its new motor vehicle emissions program to incorporate California's LEV updates to its program. The purpose of this SIP revision is to implement programs to reduce vehicle emissions that contribute to formation of ground level ozone and fine particulate matter. Washington did not submit provisions related to greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles or zero-emission vehicles requirements for inclusion in the SIP. The EPA is proposing to approve Washington's LEV SIP revision, as it relates to criteria pollutants, in accordance with the requirements of the CAA.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

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