Public Hearing Set on Smog Check II

The state’s new auto-inspection system, Smog Check II, will be the topic for a public hearing at next week’s City Council meeting.

Former Mayor Richard Polis earlier this year requested the hearing at a council meeting at which he denounced the smog program and urged the council to take a stand against it.

Polis and other critics say it is unfair and potentially ruinous for owners of older cars. Supporters of the program say it is needed to ensure healthful air quality.

Smog Check II was enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Pete Wilson in 1994 as a step toward complying with strict federal clean-air standards. The program targets “gross-polluting” cars, which are often older models owned by low-income families or classic cars owned by collectors.

The new law requires owners to repair “gross-polluting” cars, regardless of the cost. It also prohibits renewal of registration until the owner complies.

The Legislature in September deleted a provision of the law that allowed confiscation of the worst polluting cars, but critics say the law still is too harsh.

Tami Piscotty, senior management assistant on the city staff, said a representative of the state Bureau of Automotive Repair is scheduled to speak on Smog Check II at the council meeting.

The council meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 7822 Walker St. (714) 523-7700, Ext. 213.