EPA Approves Alabama's Transportation Air Quality Conformity Plan
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Alabama’s updated plan for making sure transportation projects don’t mess with air quality. This update improves teamwork between agencies, clears up how the public can get involved, and tightens rules to keep pollution in check. Starting October 26, 2026, these changes help Alabama keep the air cleaner without costing extra money or causing delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated MOA: clearer consultation and public input
The EPA approved Alabama's updated Interagency Transportation Conformity Memorandum of Agreement submitted April 7, 2026. The MOA establishes procedures for interagency consultation, dispute resolution, public participation, and enforceability of certain transportation-related control and mitigation measures, and the approval is effective October 26, 2026.
State rules and MOA become federally enforceable
The EPA incorporated by reference Alabama Rules 335-3-17-.01 and 335-3-17-.02 (state effective February 12, 2024) and the April 7, 2026 MOA into the State Implementation Plan. Those materials are federally enforceable under Clean Air Act sections 110 and 113 as of the rule's effective date, October 26, 2026.
No added federal costs or burdens for small entities
The EPA states this approval does not impose additional Federal requirements beyond State law, does not impose an information collection burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act, and is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The approval is effective October 26, 2026.
Does not apply on Indian reservation lands
The EPA states that this SIP approval is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or other area where a Tribe has demonstrated jurisdiction. In those Tribal areas, the rule does not have Tribal implications and will not impose substantial direct costs on Tribal governments.
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