Air Pollution: Delays in Motor Vehicle Inspection Programs Jeopardize Attainmentof the Ozone Standard

摘要

Title I of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (P.L. 101-549, Nov. 15, 1990)requires the states with the most serious ozone and carbon monoxide problems--23 states have been identified enhanced inspection and maintenance (I&M) programs to reduce the emissions from motor vehicles. The Environmental Protecting Agency (EPA) issued a regulation that postponed the required implementation date until January 1995, I&M programs test vehicle's emissions to ensure that the vehicles are adequately maintained and working properly. Because of concerns about the implementation of the enhanced I&M programs, you asked us to determine the status of the states' programs. Specifically, we examined (1) the progress made by the 23 states that are required to implement enhanced I&M programs, including the difficulties that the states have encountered, and (2) the impact that delays in implementing enhanced I&M programs, may have on the states' ability to comply with the national air quality standard for ozone.