Mobile Source Emissions

The National Ambient Air Quality Standards target six major pollutants as among the most serious airborne threats to human health. Transportation is a major contributor to some of the pollutants, particularly ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. About two-thirds of transportation-related emissions come from on-road motor vehicles. The quality of our air is a public good and the cost of these pollutants is not captured in the marketplace. For this reason, the Government works to mitigate this negative impact.

The following table depicts the performance measures and goals related to Mobil Source Emissions.

MOBIL SOURCE EMISSIONS – DEPARTMENTAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND GOALS

Performance Measures	Modal Administration	FY 2001 Actual	FY 2002 Actual	FY 2003 Actual	FY 2004 Target	FY 2004 Actual	FY 2004 Results
Monthly average number of areas in transportation emissions conformity lapse	FHWA	N/A1 (Target 6)	6 (Target 6)	6 (Target 6)	6	6	Met

FY 2004 Results: The Department met its performance goal.

FHWA

Areas throughout the United States with a non-attainment or maintenance designation are required to meet transportation conformity requirements in the Clean Air Act. Transportation conformity ensures that emissions from planned transportation activities are consistent with clean air goals of the area, and will not create new violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), increase the frequency or severity of existing violations, or delay the attainment of the NAAQS in designated non-attainment or maintenance areas.

In anticipation of the implementation of a new 8-hour Ozone and PM 2.5 standard, FHWA worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and FTA to provide timely regulations and guidance to assist newly designated non-attainment areas in meeting conformity requirements under the new standards. FHWA conducted numerous outreach activities with conformity stakeholders for the implementation of the new conformity rule. In cooperation with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), FHWA supported the formation of an Air Quality Subcommittee to address specific conformity issues faced by metropolitan planning organizations, specifically on emissions modeling issues and emerging issues related to the implementation of the new air quality standards. FHWA also initiated a number of research studies to advance the state of the practice in the air quality and conformity analysis. The “It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air” public education program reached 81 community partners (up from 14 in 2001) in more than 30 states.