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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How long did it take EPA to review the DFW SIP?

EPA has been in close consultation with TCEQ since before the SIP was submitted back in June 2007. Attainment plans are highly complex involving estimating the emissions generated by the day to day activities of the people in North Texas from their cars, construction equipment, power plants and other industrial sources. The impact of these emissions must be predicted using photochemical models and compared to monitoring results. Then, the impact of control strategies must be projected. This process has taken time. More importantly, we are considering some factors, that have become more clear since the State's submissions, such as the Legislature’s funding of the TERP program and the area's substantial efforts to utilize these funds to clean up diesel equipment.

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1. Why is EPA proposing a conditional approval of the DFW SIP?
2. What are accumulated pollution credits?
3. What measures are included in the DFW SIP?
4. Will the measures in the DFW SIP bring the area into attainment? How soon?
5. When will EPA consider final approval for the DFW SIP?
6. How does the new 8-hour ozone standard (0.075 ppm) impact this plan?
7. Will the state have to draft a new SIP once the new 8-hour standard goes into effect?
8. Why didn’t the DFW area just request a ‘bump up’ like Houston?
9. How long did it take the TCEQ to develop the DFW SIP?
10. How long did it take EPA to review the DFW SIP?
11. What is the significance of Texas being first in the nation to have its SIP approved?
12. Why is EPA taking public comments on the proposed approval?
13. When are the public comments due?
14. What will EPA do with the public comments?
15. What are the major controls in the DFW 8-hour SIP passed by TCEQ on May 23, 2007?
16. Isn't it true that the modeling that has been conducted does NOT predict attainment of the 8 hour standard at all DFW monitors?
17. What has been done to improve the Dallas Fort Worth 8-hour Ozone SIP since it was submitted to EPA Region 6?
18. What are the major measures and factors that make up the Weight of Evidence argument?
19. What would be the consequences if EPA did not approve the DFW 8-hour SIP?
20. What are our options if we approve the SIP and the area does not reach attainment by the June 15, 2010 attainment date?

Return to DFW Clean Air Plan page