Based on the federal Clean Air Act, first passed in 1963, but overhauled in 1970 and substantially amended in 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) sets health standards to protect the public from the negative consequences of breathing polluted air. Portions of the NJTPA region are in “nonattainment” (fail to meet the standards) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). Also, parts of northern New Jersey are considered a maintenance area for carbon monoxide (CO) as standards have only recently been achieved. The at right illustrates the different classifications in the NJTPA region.
Status of Air Quality
In early 2006, NJTPA produced a report, Status of Air Quality in the NJTPA Region (PDF file, 224 kb), that documents how the air within the NJTPA region has measured up in comparison to the national health standards.
Transportation/Air Quality Conformity
In the transportation arena, NJTPA is responsible for generating transportation plans and programs that serve to reduce the pollution emitted by motor vehicle travel. Consulting with other transportation and environmental agencies, the NJTPA analyzes the emissions impacts of transportation projects on the region’s air quality. Click on the link above to read more about transportation/air quality conformity
Transportation Clean Air Measures
With action by public agencies and thanks to improvements in vehicle technology and maintenance, the region has seen improved air quality in recent years. Further effort is required, though, and NJTPA continues to fulfill its role in this critical undertaking. Through the Transportation Clean Air Measures (TCAM) project, NJTPA will work with partner agencies to develop transportation projects that will reduce harmful emissions and benefit air quality. Click on the link above to read more about the TCAM project.