WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has urged members of both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to include a new emissions testing requirement in global warming legislation that is expected this fall. ASA sent a letter to members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming encouraging a renewed effort for vehicle emissions testing. Currently, federal law does not require states to use the vehicle emissions testing programs. Emissions testing is only required in areas that have had problems meeting health-based air quality standards. This current standard, however, does not account for cars, where emissions tests are not required, driving through and polluting areas that have more stringent air quality standards. Therefore, there is a need for a national standard for vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs to ensure the best possible level of air quality. According to the American Lung Association’s 2006 State of the Air Report, approximately 150 million people live in U.S. counties with unhealthful levels of pollution. ASA believes if vehicles are not properly maintained they will only further contribute to these levels of pollution and cause damage to the environment. There are two types of emissions tests offered today – the basic tailpipe test and the more advanced on-board diagnostics II (OBD-II) test. Commenting on the tests, Robert L. Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative, said, “The Automotive Service Association supports both traditional tailpipe and OBD testing. What is most important is that emissions testing be required in all states to promote clean cars and a cleaner environment. ASA would like to encourage Congress to consider mandatory federal vehicle emissions testing as part of the effort to develop global warming legislation this fall.” The association asks all ASA members to contact their members of Congress to urge them to include emissions testing requirements in potential climate change bills this fall. To send a letter in favor of a new requirement for federal vehicle emissions testing, visit ASA’s legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.
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