Amended AB2289Eng to improve the air and the State financial condition

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SMOG CHECK PROGRAM

Improving California’s Smog Check System

(Sacramento) - Legislation authored by Assemblymember Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park) holds the promise of improving California’s smog check system and the state’s air quality while still saving consumers time and money. Assembly Bill 2289 would authorize an alternative smog check program test method for newer vehicles equipped with updated on-board diagnostic systems (OBDII). AB 2289 also directs older, high emitting vehicles to the highest performing stations and implements a stricter fines structure for improper inspections. Here’s more from Assemblymember Eng in this Assembly Web Report.

Voice Your Support for AB 2289

Summary

This measure will improve the Smog Check program by reducing pollution through the use of new technologies that provide considerable time and cost savings to consumers. It will also improve consumer protections by adopting more stringent fine structures to respond to station and technicians that perform improper and incomplete inspections. A recent study based on roadside smog checks found that a large percentage of vehicles failed roadside audits after having recently received a passing test at a smog test station. The study concluded that this is due to inadequate repairs or irregular inspection practices.

Take Action

Online Support Form (For Assembly District 49 residents only)

Background Information on AB 2289 (PDF)

Downloadable Support Letter for AB 2289 (PDF)

Background

California’s Smog Check program, administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), is used to identify vehicles in need of maintenance and to assure the effectiveness of their emission control systems on a biennial basis. Currently, the Smog Check program cuts 400 tons of smog-forming emissions from California’s air daily. BAR also conducts random roadside audits (smog tests) on vehicles. The results from these inspections are used to evaluate the performance of the Smog Check program in achieving the federal Clear Air Act requirements.

The Air Resources Board (ARB), in cooperation with BAR, hired Sierra Research, Inc. to conduct an independent research and analysis of the Smog Check program using data collected from roadside inspections conducted in 2003-2006. The study compares roadside inspection results for 1976-95 (pre-OBDII) model year vehicles to the Smog Check inspection results for these same vehicles.

The roadside audit report found that of the 1976-95 vehicles sampled, 19% of the vehicles initially passed a tailpipe inspection at a licensed Smog Check station, but failed a roadside inspection within a year. The data also showed that 49% of the vehicles that failed a roadside inspection had failed, and then subsequently passed, a tailpipe inspection at a Smog Check station within the past year. The report showed a high failure at the roadside immediately following a passing Smog Check inspection.

The Smog Check program needs an upgrade to take advantage of national examples of best practices and modern technology that has saved consumers time and money in 22 other states. This legislation will lower Smog Check costs, improve consumer protection and significantly reduce pollution.

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a49/Take_Action/#1

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NO on AB2289Eng unless amended

Our Proposed Amendment: 44036 (a) is in the bill but (b) & (c) is not.

44036 (a) The consumer protection-oriented quality assurance portion of the motor vehicle inspection program shall ensure uniform and consistent tests and repairs by all qualified Smog Check technicians and licensed Smog Check stations throughout the state, and shall include a number of stations providing referee functions available to consumers.

(b) To achieve the goal of consumer protection and quality assurance, the department is directed to adopt in-field audits using known vehicle defects. The in-field audits will be used to determine if a technician does actually detect, diagnose and repair the designated audit vehicle defect.

(c) As there are no clear standards to see that emissions defects are being corrected, these audits are to be conducted without notification being provided to ensure accurate assessment. The improved methods generated by the audits will provide continuous improvements in the quality of vehicle repairs actually occurring.

The only reason I've been given is BAR is using the practice but it confuses me why it has not been included.

To improve the air and the State financial condition would be fun.

Clean Air Performance Professionals
Charlie Peters
(510) 537-1796
cappcharlie [at] earthlink.net