Wayne Binion, a Wasatch Front Regional Council staff member, told Transportation Coordinating Committee members that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rescinded its guidance on preparing Clean Air Act Section 179B demonstrations, which states may use to document that international transport of emissions affects attainment in nonattainment areas.

Binion said the change gives state air-quality agencies “increased flexibility” to demonstrate attainment of the national ozone standard and, in his words, “will help Utah avoid being penalized for international transport of emissions.”

Transcom members heard the second federal update about the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program administered by the Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation. Binion said the FY25 notice of funding opportunity is out, with applications due June 26. Agencies seeking implementation grants must submit a pre-application to USDOT by May 9. He reminded members that the SS4A program requires a 20% local match.

Binion also told the committee that FY24 SS4A awards remain on hold pending federal review, but the FY25 NOFO has been released. He recommended that local jurisdictions use Transcom’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan — adopted by the committee last year — to qualify for SS4A funding and urged agencies to pursue the grants where appropriate.

Why it matters: Section 179B demonstrations and SS4A grants affect how Utah jurisdictions can avoid federal sanctions tied to air-quality nonattainment and how they can finance roadway and safety projects. Local eligibility for SS4A implementation grants depends on the existence of a qualifying safety plan, and the 20% match can affect project feasibility and budgeting.

Binion’s briefing included procedural details and deadlines but did not present specific candidate projects for SS4A funding. Committee members asked no follow-up questions on the Section 179B item during the meeting.