OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
Publication Number: 440P17002
September 29, 2017
Final FY 2018-2019 Office of
Air and Radiation (OAR)
National Program Manager
Guidance
Fiscal Years
2018-2019

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OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
Table of Contents
Overview from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer	1
1.	Office of Air and Radiation Introduction	1
2.	Program Activities	2
2.1	National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)	2
2.2	Regional Haze	3
2.3	Title V and New Source Review Permitting	4
2.4	Ambient Air Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants	4
2.5	Air Toxics Program Implementation	5
2.6	Ambient Air Monitoring for Toxics	6
2.7	Allowance Trading and Other Stationary Source Programs	6
2.8	Mobile Source Programs	7
2.9	Improving Outdoor Air Quality in Indian Country and Alaska Native Villages	8
Appendix A: FY 2018 Measures
Appendix B: Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
Appendix C: Points of Contact for More Information

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OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR)
Final FY 2018-2019 National Program Manager (NPM) Guidance
Overview from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
The EPA Overview to the NPM Guidances communicates agency-wide information as well as other
applicable requirements critical to effective implementation of EPA's environmental programs for FY
2018 and FY 2019 and should be reviewed in conjunction with this Guidance. The Overview is available
at: https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/national-program-manager-guidances.
1. Office of Air and Radiation Introduction
The FY 2018-2019 Office of Air and Radiation's (OAR) National Program Manager (NPM) Guidance
describes the key activities expected to be undertaken by the EPA, states, territories, and tribal
governments as they work together to protect and improve the quality of the Nation's air. The Guidance
is consistent with the FY 2018 President's Budget request.
The associated grant guidance provides information on the State and Tribal Grant program (STAG).
Together they provide the basis for negotiations between EPA headquarters and regions and between
regions and implementing air agencies1 as to resource allocation and expected performance. Specific
expectations and deliverables will be established through workplan and budget negotiations between
EPA regions and air agencies. OAR encourages air agencies to engage EPA on activities where there may
be opportunities for flexibility.2
The OAR NPM Guidance is a guide. Requirements may exist through law. Additionally, there may be
other activities appropriate to include in particular grant agreements negotiated by an EPA region and
implementing air agency not specifically listed in this guidance.
The Guidance reflects the core work related to meeting statutory, regulatory, and court-ordered
requirements. EPA regions and air agencies are encouraged to use the established work-planning
process to provide flexibility and tailor work expectations and resource allocations to meet local
circumstances, as long as core work continues. And, EPA regions will work collaboratively with state and
local air agencies to prioritize activities and agree on the level of effort within available resource levels.
OAR recognizes that there will not be enough resources to do everything and not all programs and
requirements apply in the same way everywhere. And, recognizing that circumstances can change
during the course of a year due to court decisions, state or federal legislative action, budget issues, or
other events, as necessary and appropriate, EPA is prepared to work with air agencies to adjust
resources to meet changing priorities. The air program is committed to working collaboratively with
1	Air Agencies are defined in this document as state, tribal, or local air pollution control agencies.
2	The ECOS Field Guide includes references to EPA guidance, memos, and other official documents, as well as
documents from ECOS developed in conjunction with EPA, in which flexibility is offered and encouraged to help
states implement federal programs in a more efficient, cost-effective, and results-focused manner.
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OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
states, tribes, and local agencies to resolve issues that may arise during the course of work planning.
OAR also coordinates with EPA program offices, regions, states, and local agencies and engages in
consultation and coordination with tribal governments as it designs, develops, implements and oversees
national air programs. Regional offices will work with states and local air agencies and consult with
tribes to implement and review these programs.
As part of EPA's on-going collaboration with states and tribes, OAR will continue to participate actively in
E-Enterprise for the Environment, advancing such efforts as Combined Air Emissions Reporting project.
OAR will also remain actively engaged in the refinement of measures that better enable EPA, states, and
tribes to gauge and communicate air quality improvements, and will continue to promote flexibility
through the use of Performance Partnership Grants and other work planning mechanisms. EPA also
supports continued coordination and engagement with states on appropriate federal minimum
standards described in ECOS' Cooperative Federalism 2.0 paper.
Activities in this guidance encompass activities envisioned in FY 2018 and FY 2019 and may carry
forward to future years; any out-year activities are included to inform air agencies of future work to
assist with planning.
2. Program Activities
2.1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
In FY 2018 and 2019, EPA will work with air agencies to achieve and maintain compliance with the
NAAQS, including the ozone standards established in 2015, 2008,1997, and 1979; PM2 5 standards
established in 2012, 2006, and 1997; the 1987 PMi0 standard; the 2008 lead standard; the 2010 N02
standard; the 1971 CO standard; and the 2010 and 1971S02 standards. EPA will continue its periodic
reviews of the NAAQS as required by the CAA. EPA will continue to work closely with air agencies on all
aspects of implementing the NAAQS.
2.1.1 Expected State and Local Agency Activities
2.1.1.1	SIPs
1.	Develop and submit good neighbor SIPs for the 2008 (if not yet submitted) and 2015 ozone
NAAQS.
2.	Submit good neighbor SIPs for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, if not yet submitted.
3.	Develop and submit infrastructure SIPs for the 2008 ozone NAAQS, 2012 PM2 5 NAAQS and 2015
ozone NAAQS, if not yet submitted.
4.	Conduct S02 air quality planning, including the development and submittal of attainment
demonstration SIPs as necessary, in accordance with the S02 Data Requirements Rule and
associated guidance.
5.	Develop and submit attainment demonstration SIPs for 2008 ozone NAAQS.
6.	Develop attainment demonstration SIPs for 2015 ozone NAAQS, if required.
2.1.1.2	Designations
1. Provide comments, as necessary, regarding area designations and boundaries for the 2015
ozone NAAQS and 2010 S02 NAAQS, in accordance with relevant Clean Air Act procedures and
associated EPA guidance.
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OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
2.1.1.3 Other
1.	Conduct public notification, including reporting real-time air quality data and forecasts for ozone
and particle pollution.
2.	Implement strategies for controlling emissions from wood smoke where it is a significant
contributor to air quality problems, including regulatory and non-regulatory measures.
3.	Submit re-designation requests, including maintenance plans, for areas that attain NAAQS.
4.	Continue to implement strategies to attain and maintain NAAQS in all areas.
5.	Prepare to submit data to the Emissions Inventory System (EIS) for the 2017 National Emissions
Inventory (due December 2018).
6.	Review and comment on the latest Emissions Modeling Platform,3 including future-year
emissions projections.
7.	Prepare to submit emissions data for the current reporting year Air Emissions Reporting
Requirements (due December the following year).
8.	Participate in voluntary programs such as Ozone and PM Advance, as appropriate, and continue
to implement and, if necessary, supplement Ozone and PM Advance action plans.
9.	Work with EPA and tribes, as necessary, to clarify air quality management authority for non-
reservation tribal lands.
2.1.5 Measures: OAQPS N07, N09, N29, N30, N31, N33, N34, N35
2.2 Regional Haze
In FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA will continue to implement the Regional Haze program with states and in
Indian country. With regard to first planning period obligations, some states may submit SIP revisions to
replace regional haze Federal Implementation Plans (FIPs). EPA will continue to coordinate with those
states that are under deadlines to submit five-year progress reports. In addition, EPA will review and act
on five-year progress reports that have been submitted. EPA will continue to address the legal actions
related to EPA's action on the initial SIP submittals and related regional haze rulemakings. EPA will
continue with planning and implementation for the second planning period based on the Regional Haze
Rule revisions completed in 2016 and guidance to be completed in 2017.
2.2.1 Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Work on replacing regional haze FIPs with SIPs, that are consistent with CAA and Regional Haze
rule requirements, if desired by the state.
2.	Implement BART and other SIP requirements, as applicable.
3.	Submit five-year progress reports, as applicable.
4.	Work on SIPs to be submitted no later than the due date consistent with the 2016 Regional Haze
Rule revisions. Some air agencies may submit their states' SIP in FY 2018, even though the due
date for these SIPs has been revised to July 31, 2021.
5.	As desired, work with HQ, regional offices and federal land managers to develop refined
estimates of natural visibility conditions.
3 For more information on Modeling Platforms visit https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-modeling.
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OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
2.2.2 Measures: OAQPS N08
2.3	Title V and New Source Review Permitting
In FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA will continue to support the timely issuance of permits by state and local
permitting authorities and respond to citizen petitions under the Title V operating permits program. EPA
will continue to address compliance monitoring issues when reviewing Title V and New Source Review
(NSR) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits issued by state, local, and tribal
permitting authorities, and will continue to include monitoring as an element in program reviews where
appropriate. Pursuant to the January 24, 2017, Presidential Memorandum on permit streamlining and
Executive Order 13777, EPA will repeal, replace, or modify existing regulations to streamline the federal
permitting process and reduce regulatory burdens for domestic manufacturers. EPA will work with
states and tribes to implement any revisions to the Title V, PSD and NSR programs, including updates to
delegation agreements for delegated states and review of implementation plan and program revisions
for SIP-approved states. EPA will conduct timely review of permit applications for areas of the country
where EPA is the permit authority.
2.3.1	Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Provide data in a timely manner on Title V permits to EPA for entry into TOPS.
2.	Issue initial permits, significant permit modifications, and renewal Title V permits and reduce
backlog of renewal permits.
3.	Participate with EPA in Title V permit program evaluations, set targets to respond to EPA's
evaluation report, and implement recommendations.
4.	Issue major NSR PSD permits within one year of making the determination of completeness.
5.	Issue NSR permits consistent with CAA requirements and enter BACT/LAER determinations in
the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC).
6.	Provide data in a timely manner on PSD permits issued for new major sources and major
modifications by entering data including "the application accepted date" and "the permit
issuance date" into the RBLC.
2.3.2	Measures: OAQPS P06, P09, Pll, P12, P13, P14, P19, P20
2.4	Ambient Air Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants
In FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA will continue working with states and tribes to conduct air monitoring
activities consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements, with an emphasis on sufficient quality
assurance programs and consideration of multiple pollutant measurements. This approach includes
changes, as necessary, to effectively and efficiently implement revised NAAQS monitoring requirements
for ozone, lead, sulfur dioxide (S02), nitrogen dioxide (N02), carbon monoxide (CO), and/or particulate
matter.
Detailed Ambient Monitoring Guidance will be posted on EPA's Ambient Monitoring Technology
Information Center website at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-
07/documents/fvl8npmguidancemonitoringappendix.pdf under Regulations and Guidance.
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OAR FY 2018-2019 NPM Guidance
2.4.1	Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Operate required monitors including SLAMS, NCore, PM25 speciation, S02 Data Requirements
Rule and PAMS according to 40 CFR Part 58, approved monitoring plans, and/or grant
agreements including Quality Management Plans (QMPs) and Quality Assurance Project Plans
(QAPPs).
2.	Ensure that independent Quality Assurance (QA) audits (Lead Performance Evaluation Program,
NPAP) of SLAMS and other applicable monitoring systems take place according to criteria and
schedule outlined in 40 CFR Part 58, App. A.
3.	Conduct monthly QA flow checks/verifications and semi-annual flow audits of PM2.5 speciation
monitors. Submit semi-annual flow audit results to the Air Quality System (AQS). Submittal of
monthly flow checks/verifications to AQS is optional.
4.	Submit annual network plan required by 40 CFR 58.10, by July 1 of each year, unless another
schedule has been approved.
5.	Submit five-year network assessments required by 40 CFR 58.10(d), by July 1st of each five-year
cycle year (i.e., 2015, 2020, 2025).
6.	Submit SLAMS data, PAMS, NCore, and QA data to AQS according to schedule in 40 CFR Part 58.
7.	Certify annual SLAMS data in AQS and provide supporting documentation per 40 CFR 58.15,
including exceptional event flags, by May 1st of each year, unless another schedule has been
approved.
8.	Report real time data to AirNow for cities required to report the Air Quality Index (AQI).
2.4.2	Measures: OAQPS M06 through M12
2.5 Air Toxics Program Implementation
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to regulate emissions of toxic air pollutants from a published list of
source categories. EPA is required to develop regulations for all industries that emit one or more toxic
air pollutants in significant quantities. The Act also requires EPA to develop regulations for categories of
sources which cause or significantly contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or
welfare. Under this section of the Act, EPA must review and approve the plans for existing sources of
non-criteria pollutants that states develop whenever EPA promulgates a standard for a new source. In
FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA will promulgate, revise, and amend regulations, as resources allow, on
deadlines as mandated by the Act and as required by court orders or other binding directives or
agreements. Underscoring EPA's work will be an emphasis on activities to support and assist states,
cities, and communities address air toxics, taking into consideration the January 2016 recommendations
from the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee.
2.5.1	Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Implement delegated or approved air toxic standards, as appropriate, for major sources and
area sources.
2.	Implement delegated residual risk standards.
3.	Conduct data analysis and assessment of air toxics monitoring data.
4.	Assess and address local air toxics issues, including the combined impact of multiple sources of
air toxics, and support efforts to reduce emissions encouraging voluntary reductions of air
toxics.
2.5.2	Measures: OAQPS T05
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2.6 Ambient Air Monitoring for Toxics
EPA will continue to offer technical support to air agencies as they implement the National Air Toxics
Monitoring Network. The network has two main parts: National Air Toxics Trends Sites (NATTS) and
Local Scale Monitoring (LSM) projects. The NATTS, designed to capture the impacts of widespread
pollutants, includes 27 permanent monitoring sites, and the LSMs comprise scores of short-term
monitoring projects, each designed to address specific local issues. See:
https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/airtoxpg.html.
2.6.1 Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Operate NATTS sites and other air toxics study sites, according to EPA's technical guidance and
the QAPPand QMP. (M20)
2.	Participate in inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing and Technical System Audit programs
according to national guidance and the approved QAPP and QMP.
3.	Submit NATTS data to AQS quarterly within 120 days of end of each quarter.
4.	As federal funding is available, conduct community-scale assessment projects consistent with
grant terms (including schedule), technical guidance, and applicable QAPPs and QMPs
5.	Submit data from federally-funded community monitoring projects to AQS quarterly within 120
days of end of each quarter. The data objective for completeness rate is 85% of the potential
concentration values for the study period.
2.6.5 Measures: OAQPS M18, M19, M20
2.7 Allowance Trading and Other Stationary Source Programs
The following section includes the regional Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), the national Acid Rain
S02; and NOx emission reduction programs and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule.4
CSAPR (inclusive of the CSAPR Update) requires 27 states in the eastern half of the United States to
significantly improve air quality by reducing emissions that cross state lines and contribute to ground-
level ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states. EPA remains committed to working with states
to develop plans that will fully address transport for all NAAQS.
EPA is also assisting states with the implementation of the MATS Rule, which requires electronic
reporting of hour-by-hour emissions of mercury (Hg), hydrogen chloride (HCI), hydrogen fluoride (HF),
and S02 (for units with S02 scrubbers that opt to monitor S02 as a surrogate for HCI) and associated
quality assurance of data for sources that use continuous emission monitoring systems and sorbent trap
monitoring systems.
EPA will continue its integrated assessment program that includes enhanced ambient, deposition, and
rural ozone monitoring through the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) and surface water
chemistry and aquatic ecosystem response monitoring through the Long-Term Monitoring (LTM)
4 See https://www.epa.gov/csapr for updates on CSAPR.
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programs.5 Ozone measurements from CASTNET's rural ozone monitoring sites are used to determine if
an area meets, or exceeds, the NAAQS.
2.7.1	Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Submit any state-promulgated allowance allocations decisions to EPA for incorporation into unit
accounts.
2.	Assist sources with monitor certifications and recertifications, emissions monitoring, and
reporting.
3.	Perform electronic and field audits of monitor certifications, Part 75 continuous emissions
monitoring systems (CEMS), and emissions reporting by sources. States and locals should
perform Part 75 CEMS field audits in accordance with the field audit manual. See:
http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/emissions/audit-manual.html.
4.	Provide reports of the audits and any corrective actions needed to the appropriate EPA regional
office and HQ.
2.7.2	Measures: None. EPA tracks changes in nitrogen deposition and sulfur deposition to assess the
effectiveness of the Acid Rain program through its annual progress report. See:
https://www3.epa.gov/airmarkets/progress/reports/index.html. For more information about air quality
trends, see: http://www.epa.gov/airtrends
2.8 Mobile Source Programs
Mobile source programs include the development, implementation, and evaluation of regulatory
programs to reduce emissions from mobile sources and the fuels that power them. Types of mobile
sources addressed include: light-duty vehicles/engines - cars, light-duty trucks, sport utility vehicles;
heavy-duty vehicles/engines - buses, large trucks; nonroad vehicles/engines - construction, farm
equipment, locomotives, marine; and fuels - diesel, gasoline, renewables.
2.8.1 Expected State and Local Agency Activities
1.	Implement mobile source control strategies on time and consistent with SIP commitments.
2.	Implement grants to accomplish needed reductions (e.g., DERA grants).
3.	Work with transportation agencies, as appropriate, when new or revised motor vehicle
emissions SIP budgets are developed.
4.	As appropriate, use flexibilities provided in the Transportation Conformity Rule Restructuring
Amendments from March 2012 to update out-of-date conformity SIPs.
5.	Continue to support inspection and maintenance (l/M) programs that focus on in-use vehicles
and engines.
6.	Work with a broad range of stakeholders to focus efforts on reducing mobile source emissions in
and around ports.
7.	Continue coordination efforts between states and EPA regarding Fuel Efficiency Standards.
5 For additional information on CASTNET and LTM, see https://www.epa.gov/castnet and
https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/clean-air-markets-monitoring-surface-water-chemistrv respectively.
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2.8.2 Measures: OTAQOla, 01b, Old, 02a, 02b, 03a, 03b, 06, 07
2.9 Improving Outdoor Air Quality in Indian Country and Alaska Native Villages
This Guidance reflects the core work related to meeting statutory, regulatory, and court-ordered
requirements. EPA regions working with tribal and Alaska Native Village air agencies are encouraged to
use the established EPA and Tribal Environmental Plans (ETEP), as well as the work-planning process to
provide flexibility and tailor work expectations and resource allocations to meet local circumstances, as
long as core work continues. OAR encourages Tribal air agencies to continue to engage EPA on other
activities not specifically listed in this guidance that may be appropriate to include in particular grant
agreements negotiated by an EPA region and implemented by a Tribe or Alaskan Native Village.
This section addresses attaining and maintaining the NAAQS, improving visibility, reducing the risks from
air toxics and strengthening the technical capacity of tribal environmental professionals in Indian
country. Each activity listed below should be tailored to each tribe's capabilities and needs.
2.9.1 Expected Tribal Activities
2.9.1.1	Tribal Air Quality Management
1.	Continue to implement strategies to attain and maintain the NAAQS, as appropriate.
2.	Conduct public notification, including reporting air quality data and forecasts for ozone and
particle pollution.
3.	Provide air quality monitoring and/or assessment data to EPA and/or AQS.
4.	Complete and submit emissions inventories to the EIS. (TR08)
5.	Participate in regional and national meetings, conferences, and teleconferences on rule and
policy development, attend outreach events, and seek training and support to build capability for
effective participation.
6.	Submit eligibility determinations under the Tribal Authority Rule (TAR). (TR01)
7.	Submit tribal implementation plans (TIPs) and/or develop ordinances to address air quality
conditions for reservation areas and for non-reservation areas within the tribe's jurisdiction.
(TR03)
8.	Assist in federal implementation plan (FIP) development and implementation process for sources
and areas in Indian country.
9.	Participate in local, regional, and national policy developments and actions directly with tribes or
through the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA).
10.	Participate in training and technical support activities conducted as part of the American Indian
Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP), including attending workshop training both as students
and instructors and assisting tribes in collaborative learning.
11.	Participate in training on and/or implement programs to address air quality concerns.
12.	Continue discussion and outreach on the use of ambient air monitoring sensor applications.
13.	Continue operating three tribal CASTNET small-footprint monitoring sites at Nez Perce, ID;
Kickapoo, KS; and Red Lake, MN; and three full tribal CASTNET sites at Alabama-Coushatta, TX;
Cherokee, OK; and Santee Sioux, NE.
14.	Work with states and EPA, as necessary, to clarify air quality management authority for non-
reservation tribal lands.
2.9.1.2	Tribal Title V and New Source Review Permitting Activities
1. Work with regions to register minor sources for NSR permit planning.
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2.	Tribes with approved new source permitting programs should issue permits.
3.	Work with regions to understand tribal role in implementing NSR and as appropriate, participate
in permitting, take program delegation, or develop TIPs.
2.9.2 Measures: OAQPS TR01, TR02, TR03, TR04, TR06, TR08
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Appendix A - FY 2018 Performance Measures
Appendix A: FY 2018 Measures
Each year, the OAR National Program Guidance identifies measures that EPA headquarters and regions use to track progress on key activities.
Selected measures have specific performance targets while other measures are indicators without specific targets; both measure types track
program implementation. As regions work collaboratively with state and local air agencies to prioritize activities, and based on the available
resources, the measures and associated targets may be modified consistent with agency priorities.
Measure
Code
Measure Text
Indicator
FY 2018
Target
OAQPS
M06
Percentage of state/local monitoring agency certification requests acted on by the region by
evaluating the QA information and applying the appropriate certification flag in AQS.
No
100%
OAQPS
M07
Percentage of required Technical Systems Audits conducted to achieve an audit of each primary
quality assurance organizations (PQAO) within a 3-year period and each monitoring organization
within a 6-year period.
No
100%
OAQPS
M08
Percentage of state and local annual monitoring plans with proposed network changes that are
reviewed and approved within 120 days of receipt by region.
No
100%
OAQPS
M09
Percentage of 2nd and later Approved Regional Method (ARM) requests acted on by the region.
No
100%
OAQPS
M10
Percentage of affected entities who operate monitors in accordance with Part 58, grant terms, and
QAPP.
No
100%
OAQPS
Mil
Percent of primary quality assurance organizations submitting NAAQS pollutant data, PAMS, and QA
data to AQS directly or indirectly through another organization according to schedule in 40 CFR Part
58. Result is the percentage of PQAO submitting data in accordance with 40 CFR Part 58.
No
100%
OAQPS
M12
Percentage of AQS quarterly data reviews completed.
No
100%
OAQPS
M18
Percentage of NATTS Technical Systems Audits the Region participates in over a 3-year period.
No
50%
OAQPS
M19
Percentage of community-scale air toxics ambient monitoring programs for which Region reviewed QA
requirements and ensured measurement consistency with NATTS when appropriate.
No
100%
OAQPS
M20
Percentage of affected entities who operate NATTS in accordance with national guidance and QAPPs.
No
100%
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Appendix A - FY 2018 Performance Measures
Measure
Code
Measure Text
Indicator
FY 2018
Target
OAQPS
N07
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on PM2.5 SIPs, consistent with timeframes established in
the Clean Air Act.
Yes
-
OAQPS
N08
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on Regional Haze 5-Year Progress Report SIPs for the first
Regional Haze planning period, consistent with timeframes established in the Clean Air Act.
Yes
-
OAQPS
N09
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on redesignation requests and Clean Data Determinations
for all NAAQS, consistent with timeframes established in the Clean Air Act.
Yes
-
OAQPS
N29
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on 2008 ozone SIPs, consistent with timeframes established
in the Clean Air Act.
Yes
-
OAQPS
N30
Percentage of newly violating areas/counties that Region is targeting for developing appropriate
actions to bring designated attainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS.
No
100%
OAQPS
N31
Number of states or local agencies developing and/or commencing implementation of innovative and
voluntary emission reduction projects, particularly local ozone reduction programs to help achieve
attainment of ozone NAAQS and strategies for controlling emissions from wood smoke where it is a
primary contribution to PM 2.5 NAAQS problems.
Yes

OAQPS
N33
Number of final rulemaking actions on 2010 S02 SIPs, consistent with timeframes established in the
Clean Air Act.
Yes
-
OAQPS
N34
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on interstate transport SIPs for the 2012 PM NAAQS,
consistent with timeframes established in the Clean Air Act (due December 2015).
Yes
-
OAQPS
N35
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on interstate transport SIPs for the 2010 S02 and N02
NAAQS, consistent with timeframes established in the Clean Air Act.
Yes
-
OAQPS
P06
Number of Title V program evaluation reports completed within the fiscal year.
No
1
OAQPS
P09
Percentage of state-issued major NSR/PSD permits reviewed for new and modified sources to ensure
consistent implementation of the NSR program.
No
50%
OAQPS
Pll
Percentage of permitting authorities reporting TOPS data.
No
100%
OAQPS
P12
Percentage of Part 71 significant modifications issued by EPA Regions within 18 months of receiving a
complete permit application.
No
100%
OAQPS
P13
Percentage of Part 71 initial permits issued by EPA Regions within 18 months of a receiving a complete
permit application.
No
94%
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Appendix A - FY 2018 Performance Measures
Measure
Code
Measure Text
Indicator
FY 2018
Target
OAQPS
P14
Part 71 renewals: Percentage reduction of total Part 71 extended permits.
No
10%
OAQPS
P19
Percentage of PSD permits issued by EPA Regions within one year of receiving a complete permit
application.
No
80%
OAQPS
P20
Percentage of Part 70 permit actions (initial, renewals, merged permits, and significant modifications)
reviewed by EPA Region.
No
2%
OAQPS
T05
Number of communities the Region is working with to assess and address sources of air toxics,
including the use of voluntary air toxic reduction programs in their communities.
Yes
-
OAQPS
TR01
Cumulative number of tribes with approved eligibility determinations under the Tribal Authority Rule.
Yes
-
OAQPS
TR02
Cumulative number of tribes with delegation of federal programs to address air quality conditions on
tribal lands.
Yes
-
OAQPS
TR03
Cumulative number of tribes with approved TIPs to address air quality conditions on tribal lands.
Yes
-
OAQPS
TR04
Number of tribes conducting air quality monitoring activities.
Yes
-
OAQPS
TR06
Number of tribes implementing voluntary or other non-regulatory programs.
Yes
-
OAQPS
TR08
Number of tribes that completed or updated an emission inventory during the fiscal year.
Yes
-
OTAQOla
Percentage of projects for the current Fiscal Year entered into DRIVER.
Yes
-
OTAQOlb
Percentage of projects for the current Fiscal Year with engines entered into DRIVER.
Yes
-
OTAQ
Olcl
Percentage of projects for the current Fiscal Year with emission reductions entered into DRIVER.
Yes
-
OTAQ 02a
Percentage of timely adequacy/inadequacy determinations made by the Region for identified mobile
source budgets included in control strategy SIPs or maintenance plans for transportation-related
criteria pollutants (e.g. ozone, CO, PM2.5, PM10) submitted by states.
No
100%
OTAQ 02b
Percentage of approval/disapproval rulemaking actions taken on mobile budgets included in control
strategy SIPs or maintenance plans for transportation-related criteria pollutants (e.g., ozone, CO,
PM2.5, PM10) at the time of final rulemaking on such SIPs.
No
100%
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Appendix A - FY 2018 Performance Measures
Measure
Code
Measure Text
Indicator
FY 2018
Target
OTAQ03a
Percentage of transportation conformity determinations submitted by US DOT or an MPO that the
region reviewed and commented on for 8-hour ozone, PM2.5, PM10, and CO nonattainment and
maintenance areas.
No
100%
OTAQ03b
Number of final rulemaking actions taken by the Region on Transportation Conformity-related SIP
revisions consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
No
Sum of
Bids
OTAQ06
Percentage of l/M reports submitted by states for existing l/M programs (including OBD) reviewed by
the region within 4 months of submittal
No
100%
OTAQ07
Number of meaningful activities that support emission reductions at ports and/or railyards.
No
Sum of
Bids
ORIA RAD
1
Number of radiation exercises the Region participates in annually.
No
10 (1 per
Region)
ORIA RAD
2
Number of individuals identified and trained to fill RERT liaison and radiation advisor positions.
No
20
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Appendix B - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
Appendix B: Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
1. GRANT ASSISTANCE TO CO-IMPLEMENTERS
The President's FY 2018 budget requests $178.3 million in State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG)
funds for air programs. $159.4 is targeted for continuing air programs carried out by states/locals. The
request for the tribal air grant program is $8.9 million and $10 million for Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
(DERA) Grants.
Comparison of State and Tribal Assistance Grants for Air: FY 2016, FY 2017, and FY 2018 (in $millions)
Program Area
FY 2016
Enacted
FY 2017
Enacted
FY 2018
President's
Request
State/Local Air Program
$228.2
$228.2
$159.4
Diesel Emission Reduction Program
$50.0
$60.0
$10.0
State Indoor Radon
$8.1
$8.1
$0
Tribal Air Program
$12.8
$12.8
$8.9
Total
$299.1
$309.1
$178.3
In May 2017, as part of the omnibus appropriation for FY 2017, Congress directed the agency to take a
rescission to the STAG account and directed the Agency to use its historical allocation methodology for
distributing FY 2017 §105 resources to state and local air agencies.
A. Continuing Air Program
The President's Budget reflects a re-focusing on statutory requirements, streamlining of core
environmental work, and a reduction of duplicative activities. EPA is prepared to work collaboratively
with air agencies to resolve issues that may arise during the course of work planning as necessary and
appropriate.
Core Activities: In FY 2018 and FY 2019, state and local air agencies will continue to implement NAAQS,
monitor industry compliance with EPA stationary source regulations, develop emission inventories,
characterize air toxics problems, and meet NAAQS ambient monitoring requirements. EPA updates
NAAQS according to CAA deadlines and based on the most recent science, and these updates typically
require the preparation of new or updated state air quality implementation plans (SIPs). Due to the
multi-pollutant, and often regional nature of air pollution, preparation and implementation of SIPs are
complex - requiring modeling, technical analysis, refined emission inventories, monitoring, and
increased stakeholder involvement and coordination. State and local air agencies also address
hazardous air pollutants.
Ambient Monitoring: The CAA requires EPA to review each NAAQS every five years and propose
necessary revisions. A revision to a NAAQS may place new monitoring requirements on
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Appendix B - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
states/locals/tribes. Funding of air monitoring, including a proposed transition in funding authorities for
PM2 5 monitoring and changes in the provision of associated program support, is addressed in greater
detail in the Monitoring Appendix available at: https://www.epa.gov/amtic.
Allowance Trading Programs: The Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs are nationwide and multi-state
programs that address major, national, and regional air pollutants from large stationary sources. In FY
2018, the EPA will operate five trading programs on behalf of 27 states in the eastern U.S. - two annual
S02 trading programs, an annual NQx trading program and two ozone season NQx trading programs.
Since 1998, all the affected states in each of the interstate air pollution control programs have elected to
contribute a portion of their STAG dollars each year for the implementation of centralized allowance
trading and emissions tracking systems. EPA is authorized to use §105 grants for direct implementation
(PL 105-65, 111 Statute 1344, and 40 CFR 35.116). In its effort to support the states, EPA has assumed
both fixed and variable costs in running the five trading programs. The average annual cost is estimated
at $2.4 million. These costs include systems operations and maintenance, software development and
maintenance, and system security. The costs also include quality assurance and electronic auditing of
emissions data, support for monitoring and reporting-related questions, and development of reporting
procedures and instructions for new reporting requirements.
Multi-Jurisdictional Organizations (MJOs): Numerous states/locals have found it advantageous to form
MJOs to help coordinate their geographically specific clean air interests at the regional level. A state or
local agency wishing to fund an MJO may: a) direct that the Regional Office set aside that agency's
desired contribution from its prospective portion of the regional allotment (i.e., on a pre-allotment
basis); or, b) directly fund the MJO once the state or local agency receives its allotment. A Regional
Office may provide STAG funding to such an organization using §103 authority only if: the contributing
agencies provide their prior consent; the MJO is eligible for the funding; and, the MJO's activities are
appropriate as associated program support. Funding for regional-scale MJOs is not delineated as part of
the national region-by-region allocation of STAG funds but is instead identified within the respective
Region's allotments to its state/local agencies.
State and local air agencies may ask EPA to dedicate part of EPA's region-by-region allocation of STAG
funds to national-level MJOs that have a grant with EPA. National-level MJOs provide associated
program support to its member state/local agencies by coordinating their air quality activities at the
national level and engaging in activities that enhance their effectiveness. Member agencies may support
a national-level MJO with their own STAG funds by either: a) providing their prior consent to EPA to
target a portion of the funds that would otherwise be allotted to them to go instead for direct award to
a national level MJO; or b) directing a national level MJO to bill them directly for their membership dues.
Section 105 recipients who are not members of any national-level MJO will not have their allotments
affected. The awarding of funds to national level MJOs is subject to Agency review and approval.
Program Contact: Timothy Roberts, OAR, (202) 564-6004.
Clean Air Act Training: CAA §103(b) authorizes EPA to provide training for air pollution control personnel
and agencies, and to make training grants related to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, and control
of air pollution available to air pollution control agencies and other qualified entities. EPA provides STAG
funds annually for the support of CAA training provided by MJOs and other state training programs.
These funds are subject to consultation and concurrence with participating states/local agencies. EPA
will continue working with the Joint Training Committee which includes MJOs, national organizations,
and several state and local agencies to:
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Appendix B - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
1.	Continue to maintain and enhance the APTI-Learn learning management system to improve the
administration and delivery of classroom and web-based training;
2.	Establish a process to develop and update courses on a routine basis;
3.	Update self-instructional courses into a web-based e-learning format; and,
4.	Develop and maintain curricula to facilitate the training of state and local air pollution agency
staff on both introductory and more advanced state plan development.
In addition, EPA will continue to provide training webinars, and expects to continue with web-based
videos, website development, and other available means to support training and outreach for state and
local agencies. The Agency continues to record and post training on the Air Pollution Training Institute
website (http://www.apti-learn.net).
Program Contact: Debbie Stackhouse, OAR, (919) 541-5281.
Ozone Transport Commission (OTC): EPA will support the OTC using the CAA §106 authority of the OTC
which represents Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR).
Program Contact: Catrice Jefferson, OAR, (202) 564-1668.
B.	Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants
EPA continues to support DERA grant funds for FY 2018. Priority for funding will be on ports and goods
movement, poor air quality areas, communities suffering from a disproportionate exposure to diesel
emissions, and/or those projects with multi-pollutant benefits. EPA will continue to manage DERA
grants, rebates and loans and to monitor and close grants from prior years. EPA also will track, assess,
and report the results of the DERA grants, such as numbers of engines retrofitted, emissions benefits,
and cost-benefit information. For additional information see:
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/grantfund.htm.
Program Contact: Jennifer Keller, OAR, (202) 343-9541.
C.	Other Grant Programs
Tribal Air Grants: Through CAA §105 grants, tribes may develop and implement programs to prevent and
control air pollution or to implement national ambient air quality standards, NSR and permit programs,
and delegated federal programs like 40 CFR Part 71 and MACT standards. Through CAA §103 grants,
tribes, tribal air pollution control agencies, and multi-tribe jurisdictional air pollution control agencies
may conduct and promote research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, surveys, studies and
training related to air pollution on tribal lands. For additional information see
http://www.epa.gov/air/tribal. Information on the allocation of tribal air grants will be provided at a
later date.
Program Contact: Pat Childers, OAR, (202) 564-1082.
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Appendix B - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
2.	ALLOCATION of §105 GRANTS
Section 105 of the Clean Air Act provides the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to
administer grants to state and local air pollution control agencies to support implementation of Clean
Air Act activities. In allocating §105 resources, the Clean Air Act directs EPA to consider population,
pollution, and financial need.
From the early 1990s through FY 2015, EPA used the same methodology for allocating CAA §105
resources among its ten regions for distribution by the regions to state and local air agencies. Between
2006 and 2010 EPA led an effort to update this allocation methodology, which was planned for use in
the FY 2011 grant cycle; however, Congress directed EPA's continued use of the historical allocation
through FY 2015.
EPA's FY 2016 appropriation provided the opportunity to move forward with implementation of a
revised allocation and EPA employed the methodology originally planned for FY 2011 using updated
data sets. The results revealed some sensitivities in the FY 2011 methodology that prompted EPA to
commit to further refinements.
On November 21, 2016, EPA proposed a revised methodology and implementation approach for
allocating FY 2017 CAA §105 resources among its ten regions. The proposal was made publicly available
for review and comment by states, local §105 grant recipients, MJOs, and other interested parties. In
May 2017, as part of the omnibus appropriation for FY2017, Congress directed the Agency to use its
historical allocation methodology for distributing FY 2017 §105 resources to state and local air agencies.
Future Refinements to the Allocation of §105 Grants
EPA remains interested in moving toward a more up-to-date allocation methodology. OAR has
considered the comments received in response to the November 21, 2016 proposal and will share any
proposed additional refinements to the allocation methodology with interested parties for review and
public comment prior to making any changes.
3.	EFFECTIVE GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Administrative and programmatic provisions for effective oversight and utilization of continuing
program and project-specific grants awarded to states/locals/tribes and multi-jurisdictional entities are
summarized below. The list is not exhaustive but includes the proper use of award authority, adherence
to specific grant program requirements, effective post-award oversight, identification of performance
measures and results, the funding of co-regulator organizations, and the promotion of competition. See:
http://www.epa.gov/ogd/EO/finalreport.pdf.
Using Proper Authorities for Award: OAR provides guidance to its program offices and the regions via
the intranet that clarifies who is eligible for grant assistance given the purpose of the funded activity,
the appropriation, and the grant authority associated with the funds. OAR will update the guidance to
reflect any changes associated with its annual appropriation, as needed.
Program Contacts: Timothy P. Roberts, OAR, (202) 564-6004.
Ensuring Effective Oversight of Assistance Agreements: EPA Order 5700.6.2A2, Policy on Compliance,
Review and Monitoring, effective January 1, 2008, updated and streamlined the post-award
4

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Appendix B - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
management of grants and cooperative agreements. The Order requires EPA offices to monitor a
recipient's compliance with its programmatic terms and conditions, the correlation of the work plan and
application content with actual grant progress, the use of equipment, and compliance with relevant
statutory and regulatory requirements. The key internal controls to monitor these activities are Baseline
and Advanced Monitoring. Offices are required to submit oversight plans and document their execution.
For EPA personnel, the Order may be found at http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/policv/order/5700 2A2.pdf.
Program Contact: Eric Geer, OAR, (202) 564-0890.
Improving Grant Workplans: States/tribes/locals seeking single media air grants or Performance
Partnership grants containing air elements should submit grant work plans that show clear linkages
between the recipient's efforts and the agency's Strategic Plan goals and objectives. The agency's long-
term goal is for EPA and the states to achieve greater consistency in work plan formats. Accordingly, the
Office of Grants and Debarment (OGD) issued Grants Policy Issuance (GPI) 11-03, "State Grant
Workplans and Progress Reports." Regional Program Offices should ensure that the GPI is incorporated
in workplan negotiations, and provides appropriate outreach to recipients.
Program Contact: Eric Geer, OAR, (202) 564-0890.
Achieving Programmatic and Environmental Results: Achieving Programmatic and Environmental
Results: Recipients have the obligation to articulate sound measures of performance and report
insightful and useful results data. EPA Order 5700.7A1 - "Environmental Results under Assistance
Agreements" applies to all grants, not just categorical grants to states. The Order requires EPA project
officers to assure that each grant: (1) link proposed assistance agreements to the Agency's Strategic
Plan; (2) ensure that outputs and outcomes are appropriately addressed in assistance agreement
competitive funding announcements, work plans and performance reports; and (3) review the results
from completed assistance agreement projects and report on how they advance the Agency's mission of
protecting human health and the environment. For more information, see
http://intranet.epa.gov/OGD/policv/order/order 5700 7 al ogd environmental results 11 6 13.pdf
Program Contact: Eric Geer, OAR, (202) 564-0890.
Promotion of Competition: Agency policy is to promote competition in the award of grants and
cooperative agreements where practical. EPA Order 5700.5A1 presents the Agency's competition policy.
The Order exempts grants for continuing environmental programs, such as those funded under §105 as
well as §103 grants for PM2 5 monitoring, §103 national air toxics monitoring trends network grants,
federally-recognized tribes, and inter-tribal consortia under OAR's tribal grant program. EPA is not
precluded from awarding grants through competition for a portion of the exempted programs if the
Agency determines it is in the best interest of the public to do so. The Competition Policy may be found
at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/5700 5 a 1 final order 2 11 14.pdf.
Program Contact: Timothy P. Roberts, OAR, (202) 564-6004.
Approval Process for STAG Awards to Co-Regulator Organizations: A co-regulator organization is defined
by EPA as a national or regional (i.e., multi-jurisdictional) organization that represents the interests of
co-regulators/co-implementers (state, tribal or local governments) in the execution of national or
regional environmental programs. EPA issued a policy on December 1, 2006 that clarified that the head
of the affected state agency or department (e.g., the state environmental commissioner or head of the
state public health or agricultural agency) be involved in the funding process and that EPA request and
obtain the prior consent of this official before taking funds off the top of a state grant allotment for
direct award to a state/local co-regulator organization. On October 12, 2011, the Agency further
5

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Appendix B - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
clarified that co-regulator organizations are exempted from competition for awards made using funds
appropriated by Congress under the STAG appropriation for certain co-regulator activities that clearly
support, or are extensions of, core state, local or tribal agency responsibilities. The clarification also
notes that awards made to co-regulators using other than STAG funds, though not exempted from
competition, could qualify for an exception from competition on a case-by-case basis, if properly
justified.
Program Contacts: Eric Geer, OAR, (202) 564-0890
Sustainabilitv: OAR encourages EPA's regional offices to engage with State and Tribal partners in high-
level discussions on opportunities for incorporating sustainability considerations in EPA-funded projects
and programs, as appropriate. Results of those discussions should be documented, including referencing
them in Performance Partnership Agreements, Memoranda of Agreement or other arrangements, as
appropriate.
Program Contacts: Margaret Walters, OAR, (202) 564-4107.
++ End ++
6

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Appendix C - Points of Contact for More Information
Appendix C: Points of Contact for More Information
Subject Area
Contact Name
Phone
Email
Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards
Jeff Whitlow
919-541-5523
whitlow, ieff (§)epa. gov
Office of Transportation and Air
Quality
Mike Haley
202-564-1708
ha lev. m ike (§)epa .gov
Office of Atmospheric Programs
Pamela Bullard
202-343-9011
bu 1 lard, pa m ela@epa.gov
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
Shelly Costa
202-343-9889
costa.shellev(®epa.gov
Tribal Programs
Pat Childers
202-564-1083
childers.pat(8)epa.gov
State/Local Air Grants
Tim Roberts
202-564-6004
robe rts.timothv-P(®epa.gov
General Questions
Margaret Walters
Marc Vincent
202-564-4107
202-564-0876
wa Iters, ma rga ret(8)epa .gov
vincent.marc(8)epa.gov
++ End ++
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