Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; California; Determinations of Attainment for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard

EPA is making a number of determinations relating to 1997 8- hour ozone nonattainment areas in California. First, EPA is determining that six 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas in California (Amador and Calaveras Counties, Chico, Kern County, Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties, Nevada County, and Sutter County) (``six CA areas'') attained the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) by their applicable attainment dates. Second, in conjunction with its determinations for Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties and Nevada County, EPA is granting these areas one-year attainment date extensions. Lastly, EPA is determining that the six CA areas and the Ventura County 8-hour ozone nonattainment area in CA have attained and continue to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS based on the most recent three years of data. Under the provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rule, these determinations suspend the requirements to submit revisions to the state implementation plans (SIP) for these areas related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard for as long as these areas continue to meet the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.