New Models and Guidance Available for Transportation Conformity Hot-Spot Analyses

摘要

Under CAA Section 176(c), transportation planning and permitting entities are required to ensure that federally supported highway and transit activities are consistent with (i.e., "conform to") the purpose of a state implementation plan (SIP). Conformity to the purpose of the SIP means that transportation activities will not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). On December 20, 2010 (75 FR79370-79374), EPAannounced its approval of the latest version of two models for quantitative hot-spot analyses for transportation conformity purposes.