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EPA Proposes Rule to Address Transportation Conformity Requirements for The New 8-Hour Ozone and PM2.5 Air Quality Standards

Release Date: 10/31/2003
Contact Information:


John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov


(10/31/03) In preparation for new, more stringent air quality standards addressing ground-level ozone and particle pollution, EPA is proposing several options for state and local governments to meet the requirements in a reasonable and flexible manner. The proposal describes when conformity will first apply in areas that EPA determines are not attaining clean air under the new standards. The conformity proposal also outlines the general requirements for conducting conformity determinations before and after States submit air quality plans for the new standards. EPA is proposing to revise the conformity regulation so that transportation activities are consistent with or “conform to” the new 8-hour ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards. Transportation conformity is required by the Clean Air Act to ensure that federally supported highway and transit project activities do not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of an air quality standard. For additional information, go to: https://www.epa.gov/otaq/transp/traqconf.htm .