New England's Air Quality Branch

The major functions of the Air Quality Branch (AQB) include providing technical assistance to states for the following ozone and particulate matter programs under the Clean Air Act:

• rate of progress demonstrations, ozone and particulate matter attainment demonstrations, and contingency plans;
• Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), stage II vapor recovery, emission statements, and ozone and particulate matter emission inventories;
• vehicle inspection and maintenance programs;
• transportation-air quality planning, including transportation and general conformity;
• tailpipe standards for cars, trucks and non-road engines; and,
• reformulated and alternative fuel programs. Other responsibilities include:
• outreach on air quality data and forecasting, including assisting the states in their forecasting efforts;
• assisting states with air quality data analysis;
• public awareness of mobile source programs related to tampering, warranties, fuels, vehicle imports and recalls.
• reviewing environmental documents prepared by other federal agencies (such as the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transportation Administration); and;
• assisting the states on the development of regional haze SIPs