Bill Revising Auto Smog Program OKd : Emissions Repairs Could Cost Up to $300 on Some Cars

The Senate sent to Gov. George Deukmejian on Tuesday legislation that for the first time would overhaul the state’s motor vehicle smog inspection program, including allowing mechanics to charge up to $300 for exhaust emission repairs.

The bill by Sen. Robert B. Presley (D-Riverside), the legislative father of the program in which most vehicles must be inspected every two years before they are reregistered, was approved without debate on a 23-6 vote.

The legislation was introduced in response to federal pressure to meet national Clean Air Act requirements and because many air quality experts believed that more could be done to cleanse the skies of smog caused by automobiles.

‘Look Favorably’

Deukmejian has not seen the final bill, a spokesman said. However, he said Deukmejian could be expected to “look favorably” on the measure if it contained certain amendments he favors. One amendment sought by the Administration wiped out a proposed new Department of Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance.

The vehicle inspection and maintenance program was first proposed in 1977 but was repeatedly rejected in a long series of legislative battles. As smog increased and political compromises were made, the program finally won approval and first began operating in 1984 in California’s smoggiest regions. It has not been substantively changed since.

Under the bill, motorists could be charged a maximum of $50 to $300, depending on the year of the car, for repairs required to enable exhaust emissions system to meet clean air standards. Currently, mechanics can charge no more that $50 for their work even though emissions equipment has become exceedingly complex and time-consuming to repair.

Starting Jan. 1, 1990, the repair cost would increase on a sliding scale. For instance, 1971 and earlier model-year vehicles would remain at a maximum of $50 but would rise to a maximum $300 for 1990 and later models.

Warranty Requirement

In 1990, automobile manufacturers would also be required to issue a comprehensive warranty for cars and pickup trucks that would fully cover the cost of repairing any part of a malfunctioning emissions system. In addition, they would give a warranty of seven years or 70,000 miles on certain emissions parts that cost more than $300 apiece.

Presley said that, under current law, vehicles from the 1966 model year and older are not required to undergo smog inspections. The bill, however, would authorize the state Air Resources Board to decide whether these or other older cars should be brought into the smog check program. Presley said that some older cars, known as “smokies,” emit enormous amounts of pollutants and should be regulated.

The bill would also establish an experimental program that would require heavy-duty diesel vehicles such as trucks and buses to be inspected for exhaust emissions at Highway Patrol weigh stations. If the program is successful, it would be expanded. Trucks from out of state would be required to meet the same standards as those of California-based trucks.

The measure would also expand the volume and type of vehicles to be inspected, including fleets of vehicles fueled by liquid petroleum gas. State and local government vehicles, which must meet clean air standards but are not tested, would be tested.

At the outset, Presley and other supporters of the vehicle inspection and maintenance program optimistically forecast that it would result in a 25% reduction in automobile-caused air pollution. But since it has been in operation, the program has resulted in only an 11% decrease, Presley has said.

Presley hopes the latest bill would help meet a 25% reduction goal demanded by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, a supporter of the legislation. The EPA had given the nation’s smoggiest areas until 1987 to substantially reduce air pollution. As expected, those in California did not meet the deadline.

Sanctions Threatened

Failure to meet the deadline has invited threats of federal sanctions such as a cutoff of highway construction funds and a moratorium on construction of new plants and factories that would contribute to air pollution.

The ban was to take effect today in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.