In addition, Federal activities may not cause or contribute to new violations of air quality standards, exacerbate existing violations, or interfere with timely attainment or required interim emission reductions towards attainment. In the SIP, emissions from factories, power plants, dry cleaners, bakeries, construction equipment, lawn equipment, biogenics, vehicles and other sources are estimated. In order to assure that the standards are not violated, certain sources are limited in how much they can pollute.
Automobiles are the largest contributor to North Carolina's air pollution.
Although automobile technology has greatly improved over the years, the total pollution from vehicles is rising. More people are driving, and traveling longer distances than ever. As a result, our air pollution worsens and roads become more congested. If the emissions exceed the limits established in the SIP, then Federal money cannot be spent to fund projects. A new analysis is required whenever the transportation plan in one of these areas adds a project, deletes a project, significantly delays or accelerates a project, or changes the project scope.