Transportation conformity is required under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 176(c) to ensure that Federally-supported transportation activities are consistent with (“conform to”) the purpose of a State Implementation Plan (SIP). Transportation conformity establishes the framework for improving air quality to protect public health and the environment. Conformity to the purpose of the SIP means Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding and approvals are given to highway and transit activities that will not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing air quality violations, or delay timely attainment of the relevant air quality standard, or any interim milestone. This Guide was prepared to help State and local officials understand transportation conformity and how conformity requirements relate to transportation investments in their communities. Specifically, the implications of conformity on metropolitan transportation plans, transportation improvement programs (TIPs), and transportation projects are discussed. The Guide provides overview information on the major elements of the conformity process and provides answers to basic questions. Several exhibits are included in the Guide to illustrate key elements of the conformity process. Appendices are also included that discuss the health effects of pollutants, options to reduce on-road mobile source emissions, and resource agency contacts.
Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) (US Environmental Protection Agency Regulation) (EPA) (2018 Edition) The Law Library presents the complete text of the Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) (US Environmental Protection Agency Regulation) (EPA) (2018 Edition). Updated as of May 29, 2018 The EPA is finalizing revisions to the regulations governing the nonattainment new source review (NSR) program mandated by section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). These revisions implement changes to the preconstruction review requirements for major stationary sources in nonattainment areas in interim periods between designation of new nonattainment areas and adoption of a revised State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revisions conform the nonattainment permitting rules that apply during the SIP development period following nonattainment designations before SIP approval to the Federal permitting rules applicable to SIP-approved programs. The changes are intended to provide a consistent national program for permitting major stationary sources in nonattainment areas under section 110(a)(2)(C) and part D of title I of the Act. In particular, these changes conform the regulations to the NSR reform provisions that EPA promulgated by notice dated December 31, 2002, except that these changes do not include the NSR reform provisions for "clean units" or "pollution control projects," which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated in New York v. EPA, 413 F.3d 3 (DC Cir. 2005). In addition, these changes include an interim interpretation of the NSR reform provision for a "reasonable possibility" standard for recordkeeping and reporting requirements, in accordance with that court decision. This interim interpretation to the "reasonable possibility" standard applies for appendix S purposes, pending the completion of rulemaking to develop a more complete interpretation. This book contains: - The complete text of the Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) (US Environmental Protection Agency Regulation) (EPA) (2018 Edition) - A table of contents with the page number of each section
Managing the nation's air quality is a complex undertaking, involving tens of thousands of people in regulating thousands of pollution sources. The authors identify what has worked and what has not, and they offer wide-ranging recommendations for setting future priorities, making difficult choices, and increasing innovation. This new book explores how to better integrate scientific advances and new technologies into the air quality management system. The volume reviews the three-decade history of governmental efforts toward cleaner air, discussing how air quality standards are set and results measured, the design and implementation of control strategies, regulatory processes and procedures, special issues with mobile pollution sources, and more. The book looks at efforts to spur social and behavioral changes that affect air quality, the effectiveness of market-based instruments for air quality regulation, and many other aspects of the issue. Rich in technical detail, this book will be of interest to all those engaged in air quality management: scientists, engineers, industrial managers, law makers, regulators, health officials, clean-air advocates, and concerned citizens.