The NJTPA is responsible for advancing transportation policies and projects that will help improve air quality in the NJTPA region. As shown on the map below, portions of the NJTPA region are in “nonattainment” (fail to meet the federal standards) for ozone (O3). Also, parts of northern New Jersey are considered a maintenance area for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) as standards have been achieved.
Key air quality-related planning activities of the NJTPA include the following:
Transportation/Air Quality Conformity
Because portions of the NJTPA region fail to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the NJTPA is required to demonstrate conformity on all plans, programs, and projects. This means that the NJTPA must demonstrate that the projects it approves through its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) will have a net positive impact on air quality and contribute to the achievement of the air quality goals contained in the New Jersey State Implementation Plan (SIP). A more detailed summary of the conformity process can be found in this PDF document.
To annually demonstrate conformity, the NJTPA uses computer modeling to estimate the emission impacts of approved projects. To comply with federal regulations, the NJTPA has established procedures for public involvement and interagency consultation. This includes detailed documentation for non-technical readers and an annual workshop on conformity. The latest conformity documents are posted below: