Transportation Conformity Guidance for Qualitative Hot-spot Analyses in PM2.5 and PM10 Nonattainment and Maintenance Areas

摘要

On March 10, 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule that establishes the transportation conformity criteria and procedures for determining which transportation projects must be analyzed for local air quality impacts in PM2.5 and PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas (areas) (71 FR 12468). The final rule also provides flexibility so that state and local resources are used efficiently. The EPA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have developed this guidance to help state and local agencies meet the final rules hot-spot analysis requirements. Transportation conformity is required under Clean Air Act section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7506(c)) to ensure that federally supported highway and transit project activities are consistent with (conform to) the purpose of the state air quality implementation plan (SIP).