The EPA has recently extended the grace period before the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator model, which is presently known as MOVES2010a, is required for regional conformity analyses.

The grace period has been extended to March 2, 2013.

The EPA has recently taken direct final action to extend the current grace period that is allowed before the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator model, known as MOVES2010a, must be used for regional emissions conformity analyses.

The present grace period was set to last for two years; now, with the EPA's direct final action, the period has been extended by an entire year.

Consequently, MOVES2010a will not need to be used for conformity analyses until March 2, 2013.

This rule will be effective as of Dec. 12, 2011, unless the EPA acquires adverse comments on or before Nov. 14, 2011.

If adverse comments are received, the Federal Register will publish a withdrawal in order to notify the public that the rule will not be implemented.

All comments in regards to this grace period extension may be submitted via email, fax (202-566-9744), hand delivery or mail.

Comments may also be submitted online.

Additionally, all copies of the official version of the MOVES2010a motor vehicle emissions model can be viewed at this link.

For further information regarding the direct final action, please visit this link.