The Mail-Journal, Volume 13, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 April 1976 — Page 24

Emission tests can save $20425 a year in gas

By ROGER STRELOV I .$. Environmental Protection Agency — AmiMant Administrator for Air and WaMr Management Motorists could save between S2O and $25 in gasoline costs each yfcar by having their auto emission control equipment regularly inspected and maintained. Some motorists are already realizing these kinds of savings. Since 1972. New Jersey has operated an inspection and maintenance (IM. program in connection with an annual safety inspection. Chicago: Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; Portland, Oregon, and Riverside and Los Angeles. Cal-

ifornia are also now conducting some type of I M program These last several programs were ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of larger air clean up plans for these seriously polluted areas. I M can have benefits beyond gasoline savings. It results in more efficient run ning vehicles. In some areas, it could mean numerous employment opportunities for qualified mechanics. Most im-

portantly, from EPA’s point of view, I M makes city air more breathable. The areas now affected by I M (and there are 21 other regions that also ought to have this pro gram in effect) need the additional amount of air cleanup provided simply to protect public health from the grossest hazards respiratory ailments, the aggravation of heart disease, and increased death rates W hat whow Studies have shown that all other controls in these areas — industrial, municipal and new cars replacing old cars — are by themselves not enough to achieve health protecting levels. I M does provide cleaner air New Jersey estimates that its carbon monoxide pollution has declined 13 percent since its program began. Other auto related pollutants in the state are also decreasing. For the other areas as fected by I M, this kind of improvement cannot be as easily cited since their

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programs have not been in effect as long as New Jerseys. The annual cost to the motorist of an I M program now varies between $1 and $5 per year either in additional registration fees or payments at the inspection site. At this time, four out of five cars have been passing the NewJersey test, and repair costs for those that haven’t have averaged between S3O and $35. Tailored to n«*e<l» A large amount of leeway is provided states and localities by EPA in setting up I M programs tailored to their particular needs and resources. For example. I M may be run separately or along with a safety inspection: state-owned, contractor operated, or commercial inspection sites may be used: maintenance of emission controls may be initially introduced as a voluntary measure; passfail standards may vary somewhat, and two basic testing methods may be employed. EPA does insist that I M be done at least annually

and that, regardless of specific program, the overall objective must be accomplished of most vehicles meeting the emission standards for their particular model year. The quality of mechanical work done in I M is obviously critical to consumer acceptance of the program. In this regard, EPA and the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare have available SIOO,OOO in matching grants for five states (New York. Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Ari zonai to train instructors who will then train mechanics in the proper maintenance and repair of emission control hardware. These states were selected on the basis of their readiness to implement 1 M. More Io participate With Federal and local cooperation, the future should see more motorists obtaining a regular IM checkup. It will benefit their car, in most cases their pocketbook, and above all their health. Other regions under an EPA requirement to institute I M programs are: Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts; New’ York; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Indianapolis; Houston. San Antonio; Denver; Salt Lake City; Phoenix; Tucson; San Francisco; San Diego; Sacramento; Fresno (California); Seattle; Spokane; and Fairbanks, Alaska.

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