What is General Conformity?

General Conformity ensures that the actions taken by federal agencies do not interfere with a State or Tribe's ability to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for air quality, as required under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 176(c).

Established under the CAA section 176(c)(4)), the General Conformity regulations at 40 CFR part 93 subpart B, play an important role in helping States and Tribes to protect air quality within those areas that do not meet the NAAQS (nonattainment areas) and areas of vulnerable air quality (maintenance areas). Under the General Conformity regulations, federal agencies must work with state, Tribal and local agencies and governments with authority and jurisdiction over nonattainment or maintenance areas to ensure that emissions caused by Federal actions conform to the air quality plans established within the applicable implementation plan.

EPA initially promulgated the General Conformity regulations in 1993. Subsequently, EPA collected information from other federal agencies on how to maintain the same environmental protections while streamlining the General Conformity program process. This information was used to revise the General Conformity regulations.  After soliciting public comments, EPA issued final rule revisions on April 5, 2010.