Środowisko i energia · 13.08.2010

Transportation Conformity Rule Restructuring Amendments

In this action, EPA is proposing to restructure several sections of the transportation conformity rule so that they would apply to any new or revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that are established in the future for transportation-related criteria pollutants. This proposal should reduce the need to amend the rule in the future for the sole purpose of referencing specific new or revised NAAQS. EPA is also proposing in this action that a near-term year would have to be analyzed when using the budget test when an area's attainment date has passed, or when an area's attainment date has not yet been established. The budget test demonstrates that the total on- road emissions projected for a metropolitan transportation plan or TIP are within the emissions limits ("budgets") established by the state air quality implementation plan ("SIP"). This action also includes several administrative proposals and clarifications to improve implementation of the rule. The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires federally supported transportation plans, transportation improvement programs, and projects to be consistent with ("conform to") the purpose of the state air quality implementation plan.