Summary of rule signed December 16, 1997 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles and New Motor Vehicle Engines: State Commitments to National Low Emission Vehicle Program ACTION: Final Rule. SUMMARY: Today EPA is finalizing the necessary federal regulations for a voluntary clean car program called the National Low Emission Vehicle ("National LEV") program, which is designed to reduce smog and other pollution from new motor vehicles across the country. The program will come into effect only if the northeastern states (members of the Ozone Transport Commission or "OTC") and the auto manufacturers sign up for it. The National LEV regulations allow manufacturers to commit to meet tailpipe standards for cars and light light-duty trucks that are more stringent than EPA can mandate. Manufacturers have said they would be willing to commit to the program if the OTC States also make binding commitments to the program. Once the program comes into effect, it would be enforceable in the same manner as any other federal new motor vehicle program. After spending years helping to develop the program, the OTC States and the auto manufacturers must now decide whether to commit to it and allow the country to benefit from significant reductions in pollution. National LEV would also achieve the same (or better) emission reductions in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) as would OTC State adopted new motor vehicle programs. Under National LEV there would be substantial harmonization of federal and California new motor vehicle standards and test procedures, which would enable manufacturers to design and test vehicles to one set of standards nationwide. The program would demonstrate how cooperative, partnership efforts can produce a smarter, cheaper program that reduces regulatory burden while increasing protection of the environment and public health. DATES: This regulation is effective [insert date of publication]. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of [insert date 60 days from date of publication]. The information collection requirements contained in this rule has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has an assigned OMB control number of 2060-0345. ADDRESSES: Materials relevant to this final rule have been placed in Public Docket No. A-95-26. The docket is located at the Air Docket Section, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460 (Telephone 202-260-7548; Fax 202-260-4400) in Room M-1500, Waterside Mall, and may be inspected weekdays between 8: 00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. A reasonable fee may be charged by EPA for copying docket materials. For further information on electronic availability of this final rule, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Simon, Office of Mobile Sources, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460. Telephone (202) 260-3623; Fax (202) 260-6011; e-mail simon.karl@epamail.epa.gov.