1. Transportation Conformity Basics

2. What is Transportation Conformity? Transportation conformity (conformity) is a way to ensure that Federal funding and approval goes to those transportation activities that are consistent with air quality (AQ) goals.

3. What is Transportation Conformity? Conformity applies to: Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTPs) Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) Projects funded by FHWA or FTA in nonattainment or maintenance areas

4. Who makes a conformity determination? Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) In metropolitan areas State Department of Transportation (StateDOT) Areas outside of MPOs

5. How often are conformity determinations required? Every 3 years When LRTPs or TIPs are updated

6. Who is involved in determining conformity? An interagency consultation process involving: EPA FHWA FTA State and Local Transportation Agencies State AQ Agencies

7. How do we involve the public? A conformity analysis is made available to the public as part of the MPO and/or State DOT planning process

8. How do we determine conformity? Regional emissions are estimated based on highway and transit usage according to LRTPs and TIPs. Projected emissions must not exceed emission limits SIP Interim Budget Tests

9. What are emissions budgets? The State Implementation Plan (SIP) places limits on emissions for each source type (mobile, stationary and area sources). Budgets are developed as a part of the air quality planning process by State AQ agencies and approved by EPA.

10. What happens when a conformity determination cannot be made? The use of Federal aid funds is stopped Impacts design work, Right-of-Way acquisition, construction, permitting

11. What Initiates a Conformity Determination? One year after designation Adoption or amendment of a LRTP; Adoption or amendment local TIP or STIP When the SIP changes; or every three years.

12. When Conformity is due? Designations effective April 5, 2005 Conformity due one year later by April 5, 2006