Air Pollution: Unresolved Issues May Hamper Success of EPA's Proposed Emissions Program
RCED-92-288
Published: Sep 25, 1992. Publicly Released: Oct 23, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on whether: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal is the most effective approach for identifying and repairing vehicles that exceed emission standards; and (2) EPA has studied alternative test procedures to reduce emissions from motor vehicles.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Protection Agency | To ensure that states have a clear understanding of when EPA is requiring them to make a commitment to a specific test procedure, the Administrator, EPA, should clarify in the final regulation that the agency intends to allow states until November 1993 to make a commitment to a specific test procedure. |
Closed – Implemented
Recommendation was made to assure that states do not mistakenly commit to enhanced IM program prematurely. EPA took action but since it represents clarification rather than change, no financial savings or other nonfinancial benefits have occurred. Clarification was published in the Federal Register by EPA on November 5, 1992.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | To help ensure the long-term acceptance and success of the emissions reduction program, the Administrator, EPA, should expedite the agency's study of an alternative test procedure to the IM240 test so that EPA can provide specific guidance to the states on whether a viable alternative to the IM240 test exists prior to November 1993, which is when EPA is proposing to allow states to submit a final determination on their I&M program. |
Closed – Implemented
EPA's study on alternative test procedures was completed and published on May 11, 1993.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | As EPA works towards implementing a more stringent I&M program, the Administrator, EPA, should direct the agency to work closely with the states and the repair industry to resolve the issues related to the identification and repair of out-of-compliance vehicles discussed in this report. |
Closed – Implemented
The agency has conducted a number of workshops with the repair industry to discuss the IM240 program and to provide training on the repair of out-of-compliance vehicles. Even though this is an ongoing program and it may take years before significant reductions in vehicle emissions are achieved, EPA has clearly initiated action designed to help states and the repair industry implement effective I&M programs.
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Topics
Air pollution controlEnvironmental policiesEnvironmental researchstate relationsInspectionMotor vehicle pollution controlMotor vehicle repairsNoncomplianceState-administered programsTesting