New Air Quality Standards A Challenge

By Kelly Novak, Research Manager, NADO

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have partnered to reduce air pollutants generated from transportation- related activity, by increasing monitoring measures and augmenting air quality standards.

Transportation planning in rural areas will be largely affected because more than 300 counties, many of which are rural and neighbor metropolitan areas, will be classified as “nonattainment areas” (areas where monitored pollutant levels exceed EPA standards and are considered unhealthy). Regional cooperation will become even more crucial to overcome nonattainment status.

Air Quality and Transportation

Under the Clean Air Act of 1970, EPA established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants. There are two pollutant categories: stationary sources, such as plant smoke stacks and mobile sources, such as cars and snowmobiles.

The three transportation-related pollutants monitored are:

Ozone (03), an oxygen compound and the primary ingredient in smog.

Particulate Matter (PM) or solid particles and liquid droplets. The two PM sizes monitored are: PM10, like windblown dust and PM2.5, found in fuel combustions.

Carbon Monoxide (CO), a gas, and product of incomplete fuel combustion.

In 1997, EPA set new air quality standard measures, to be included in state air quality plans or State Implementation Plans (SIPs). The new ozone and PM2.5 standards have been approved and are ready for implementation within the next three years. These new standards will increase the numbers of existing non- attainment areas, many of which will be rural.

Transportation Conformity is Key

The nonattainment areas must conform to state prescribed SIPs. Nonattainment areas conform by readjusting their day-to-day activities. Regional development organizations can assist in reducing transportation-related pollutant levels, by improving transit services and minimizing congestion, which can offer economic benefits.

States and nonattainment areas failing to conform may face sanctions, such as the withholding of certain federal highway funds.

For More Information Contact: FHWA Planning and Environment Office of Natural Environment, 202/366-2048 or visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment; EPA Air Quality Planning and Standards Office of Transportation and Air Quality 202/564-1682 or visit www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/.

Produced by Todd Blair, GIS Analyst, Federal Highway Administration, May 2002.

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