Air Quality
Air Quality Objectives
As the designated metropolitan planning organization for the region, SACOG is responsible for ensuring that transportation projects and plans do not impede the region’s clean air goals. SACOG evaluates all projects included in the federal Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program to ensure consistency with air quality objectives – a process referred to as finding or determining conformity.
Since September, 2011, the Regional Planning Partnership (RPP Charge) Project Level Conformity Group is tasked with reviewing and deciding Project of Air Quality Concern (POAQC) determinations and hot-spot analyses. The Project Level Conformity Group is open to all interested parties, with membership confirmed by the RPP. (outline of Project Level Conformity Group)
Webinar Recording: Speeding up bike/ped and transit project delivery
Overview of SB 288 and CEQA exemptions
At the September 22, 2021, Regional Planning Partnership, Michael Pimental (California Transit Association) and Gwen Litvak (Bay Area Council) shared an overview of the types of projects covered by SB 288 and how the CEQA exemption can be used to shave years off of project schedules.
Project-Level Conformity Determinations
Determinations through September 2021
The Regional Planning Partnership received an update at their September 22, 2021, meeting about project-level conformity determinations conducted by the Project Level Conformity Group. No projects were reviewed since the March 2021 update. (see update)
Project-Level Conformity Determinations
Determinations through March 2021
The Regional Planning Partnership received an update at their March 24, 2021, meeting about project-level conformity determinations conducted by the Project Level Conformity Group. One project was reviewed since the January 2021 update. (see update)
INTERAGENCY CONSULTING (IQC) INSTRUCTION, FORM AND EXEPTION PROCEDURE
To request a Project of Air Quality Concern (POAQC) review, project sponsors should follow the instruction (IAC Instructions) and fill the form (IAC form template).
To request a POAQC exemption, project sponsors should follow the procedure (Project exemption process procedure).
For any questions please contact Shengyi Gao (SGao@sacog.org).
Draft Air Quality Conformity Assumptions released
Assumptions to be reviewed for approval July 22, 2020
Draft Air Quality Conformity Assumptions for Amendment #1 to the 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and Adoption of the 2021-24 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program are now available for review. The assumptions will be reviewed for approval at the July 22, 2020 Regional Planning Partnership meeting (details online).
Transportation Conformity Guide Available
understanding the intersection of transportation conformity and investments
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has updated their guide, “Transportation Conformity, A Basic Guide for State & Local Officials.”