What is the difference between attainment and conformity?
Any area in nonattainment is violating the national air quality standards or contributing to the violation of at least one of the six pollutants monitored. The designation is based upon EPA’s analysis conducted over a three year span through field work and evaluation of monitors at various locations. Once designated, a date is set determining the year the area must meet attainment. To meet attainment, the area must no longer be exceeding the allowable amount of pollution for which it was originally designated in nonattainment. Conformity refers to the connection between air quality and transportation plans. Conformity occurs when the emissions budget determined by the state and incorporated in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) is met in the TIP. Transportation conformity is required in all nonattainment areas. The transportation plan must show that the implementation of all the projects will not create new air quality violations, increase the frequency or severity of existing violati
