Agenda for the May 2, 2006

 Call with ED on the SAFETEA-LU Conformity Rulemaking

Introductions

Opportunity for questions on the February 14, 2006 interim SAFETEA-LU
conformity guidance

How EPA is planning to address:

Conformity Redeterminations

Frequency

Lapse Grace Period

Conformity SIPs

Horizons

TCM Substitution

Feedback on our plans

General Plans for the Rulemaking

Link to the SAFETEA-LU interim guidance:   HYPERLINK
"http://www.epa.gov/otaq/stateresources/transconf/420b06901.pdf" 
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/stateresources/transconf/420b06901.pdf 

Major Topics Discussed During the May 2, 2006 Call with ED on the
SAFETEA-LU

Conformity Rulemaking

Participants: EPA and ED

Major Topics Discussed:

General plans and schedule for the SAFETEA-LU rulemaking

Application of the lapse grace period particularly in the case where a
plan and/or TIP have expired because the Clean Air Act requires that a
conforming plan and TIP be in place in order for projects to be
approved.

Implementation of the horizon provision and the requirement for an FYI
analysis.

Possibility of a state using its conformity SIP to prevent MPOs from
shortening the conformity horizon.

The rule’s TCM definition need to be revised to state that a
substitute TCM is part of the applicable SIP and subject to timely
implementation.

ED’s continued interest in EPA revising analysis year requirements in
areas that use the budget test.

