Smog Check Program Too Weak, Study Says

California’s automobile Smog Check program needs a major overhaul because it is achieving only 40% of the smog reductions required under California’s air-quality plan, state air-quality officials reported Thursday.

The primary reason for the deficiencies is that the Legislature has substantially weakened the controversial program, according to a report by the California Air Resources Board.

The car inspection program is one of the state’s most important measures for cleaning up smog. It also is the most contentious, because it affects almost every driver and it is the only major smog program controlled by the Legislature.

Smog Check is required to reduce smog-forming gases by 112 tons each day, but 1999 roadside test data from the Air Resources Board show it is accomplishing a reduction of only 45 tons a day. About 10,000 cars were randomly selected for the tests.

The state is likely to run into trouble with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its failure to meet the program’s emission targets. Under the federal Clean Air Act, California must strictly follow the commitments in its air-quality plan or face federal sanctions.

The shortfall of 67 tons of emissions a day is so large that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to offset with other smog rules.

“Changes to increase program effectiveness are needed,” the air board’s report says.

The Legislature weakened many aspects of the program because of concern over inconveniencing motorists.

Eliminating an exemption for pre-1974 cars would help reduce emissions, the report says. Classic-car enthusiasts lobbied for the exemption. The air board staff also recommends more stringent inspection standards for all cars, and a requirement that all failing cars be fully repaired. All those changes are apt to be opposed in the Legislature and by motorists.

A public meeting to discuss the findings will be held May 2 in Sacramento.