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Background: Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act prohibits
Federal entities from taking actions in nonattainment or maintenance
areas which do not conform to the State implementation plan (SIP)
for the attainment and maintenance of the national ambient air quality
standards (NAAQS). Therefore, the purpose of conformity is to (1)
ensure Federal activities do not interfere with the budgets in the
SIPs; (2) ensure actions do not cause or contribute to new violations,
and (3) ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. In November
1993, EPA promulgated two sets of regulations to implement section
176(c). First, on November 24, EPA promulgated the Transportation
Conformity Regulations (applicable to highways and mass transit)
to establish the criteria and procedures for determining that transportation
plans, programs, and projects which are funded under title 23 U.S.
C. or the Federal Transit Act conform with the SIP (58 FR 62188).
Then, on November 30, EPA promulgated regulations, known as the
General Conformity Regulations (applicable to everything else),
to ensure that other Federal actions also conformed to the SIPs
(58 FR 63214).
With respect to General Conformity,
all Federal Actions are covered unless otherwise exempt, e.g. actions
covered by transportation conformity, actions with clearly de minimis
emissions, exempt actions listed in rule, or actions covered by
a Presumed to Conform demo(approved list). Conformity can be demonstrated
by : (1) showing emission increases are included in SIP; (2) State
agrees to include increases in SIP; (3) areas without SIPs , no
new violations of NAAQS and/or no increase in frequency/severity
of violations; (4) Offsets, and (5) Mitigation. Some emissions are
excluded from conformity determination, such as those already subject
to new source review; those covered by CERCLA or compliance with
other environmental laws, actions not reasonable foreseeable, and
those for which the Agency has no continuing program responsibility.
From the listing below, find the file you would like to download.
The available file formats are represented by icons on the right
side of the listing. Click on the icon that represents the file
format you wish to receive. For an explanation of file formats and
their icons, see our TTNWeb File
Types.
Related Policy & Guidance
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Airport Emission Reduction Guidance - September 30, 2004
This is an announcement of an exciting new program to reduce emissions from airport vehicles and ingrastructure.
Under this program, the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) will approve funding of projects to voluntarily
reduce emissions at airports. In turn, the airport will receive emission reduction credits that can be
used for demonstrating conformity under the General Conformity program or as new source review offsets.
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To learn more about the FAA's Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) probram, go to their website at
http://www.faa.gov/arp/environmental/VALE/Index.cfm |
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General Conformity Guidance for Airports: Questions and Answers - September 25, 2002
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formed
a stakeholders group to address airport air quality improvements, particularly the reduction of
nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. One issue raised by airport operators was the need for more specific
guidance to airports on the implementation of the General Conformity Regulations. In response,
the FAA and the EPA have developed the following guidance in consultation with many organizations,
including airport operators, airlines, and State air quality agencies |
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General Conformity Guidance: Questions and Answers - July
13, 1994
Composite of frequently asked questions. Issues raised initially
at General Conformity Workshop held in Virginia on March 7-8,
1994 |
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General Conformity Guidance: Questions and Answers - October
19, 1994
Additional Questions and Answers - Applicability, Bubbling Activities,
and Transportation Conformity (attach appropriate file) |
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Region IX Memorandum to David Kessler of FAA, January 25,
1996
Additional comments on Final Environmental Impact Statement
and CAA conformity determination for the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena
Airport Land Acquisition and Terminal Replacement Project, Los
Angeles Co., CA - Applicability Determination & Calculation
regarding whether or not De Minimis action. - use of year 2010. |
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Related Links:
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
www.faa.gov/arp/app600/600home.htm
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Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
www.blm.gov/nstc/air/index.html
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Transportation Conformity
www.epa.gov/otaq/transp/traqconf.htm
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National Park Service
www2.nature.nps.gov/ard
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Department of Defense
www.DENIX.osd.mil
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EPA Contacts:
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