The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program provides funds to states for projects designed to help attain the national ambient air quality standards. However, to date there has been no attempt to quantify the national emissions effects of the CMAQ program or its potential. States are requested to provide estimates of emissions reductions associated with projects funded by the CMAQ program to FHWA. These reports provide a rich source of data for analysis of the CMAQ program, although the data have various limitations. A methodology to estimate potential effects of the CMAQ program on emissions of volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide using data provided by the states to FHWA is presented. Using this methodology, a preliminary assessment of the emissions effect of the CMAQ program from its inception in 1992 through 2005 is presented. It is suggested that the CMAQ program is playing a significant role in reducing emissions nationwide. Emissions estimates are sensitive to assumptions about project cost-effectiveness and years of effect. In addition, various limitations in the national database of CMAQ projects are noted. The use of consistent methodologies for estimating the effects of programs nationwide is recommended to improve the accuracy of national emission reduction estimates.
Emissions Reduction Potential of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program: A Preliminary Assessment
Transportation Research Record
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 1641 , 1 ; 81-88
1998-01-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English