2004 and 2005 Transportation Conformity Rule Amendments Outreach Activities
Session 1: Training Session Overview
FHWA Transportation Conformity and CMAQ Workshop
Summer 2004
Agenda
Introductions
Background
8-Hour Ozone Conformity
PM2.5 Conformity
Other Conformity Rule Changes
CMAQ
Case Discussions
Final Rule
Final rule published in Federal Register on July 1, 2004 (69 FR 40004)
addresses all issues raised in June 30, 2003 conformity proposal on court decision (68 FR 38974)
addresses all but two issues raised in November 5, 2003 conformity proposal on new standards (68 FR 62690)
Consistent with EPA's broader 8-hour ozone and PM2.5 implementation strategies
Objectives of Final Rule
To provide conformity rules for the new national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS)
To incorporate existing EPA and DOT guidance that is consistent with a March 2, 1999 court decision
To streamline and improve conformity implementation
Issues Not Addressed in Final Rule
PM2.5 precursors in regional emissions analyses
EPA will address conformity requirements for precursors after consideration in broader PM2.5 implementation strategy
PM2.5 and PM10 hot-spot analysis requirements
A supplemental proposal will be issued this summer to request further comment on consideration of localized emissions impacts ("hot-spots") of individual projects
Both issues will be addressed in a separate final conformity rule before PM2.5 designations are effective
Conformity Websites
EPA website: www.epa.gov/otaq/traq (at site, click on "conformity")
Includes information on:
guidance and rulemakings
status of EPA's adequacy reviews of submitted SIP budgets
Includes other information on EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ)
