Evaluating Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs


Book Description

Emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs subject vehicles to periodic inspections of their emission control systems. Despite widespread use of these programs in air-quality management, policy makers and the public have found a number of problems associated with them. Prominent among these issues is the perception that emissions benefits and other impacts of I/M programs have not been evaluated adequately. Evaluating Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs assesses the effectiveness of these programs for reducing mobile source emissions. In this report, the committee evaluates the differences in the characteristics of motor vehicle emissions in areas with and without I/M programs, identifies criteria and methodologies for their evaluation, and recommends improvements to the programs. Most useful of all, this book will help summarize the observed benefits of these programs and how they can be redirected in the future to increase their effectiveness.
















Environmental Code of Practice for Light-duty Motor Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance Programs


Book Description

The purpose of this code is to provide guidance to provincial transportation and environmental regulatory agencies regarding light-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance programs as a means of reducing excess exhaust and evaporative emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter from in-use motor vehicles in large urban centres. The code is intended as a basis for implementing consistent and uniform control measures employing the latest technology for the testing of in-use motor vehicles across Canada. Training requirements are included in the code to help maintain efficient inspection station and repair shop operation as well as the health and safety of the motorists who participate in the programs. This document includes an outline of the legislative and policy considerations behind the code, the basic program parameters, and information on test procedures and equipment, quality control and assurance, repair technician and facility certification, and development of public awareness.




Report summaries


Book Description







Controlling Automobile Air Pollution


Book Description

This volume includes many of the most influential and interesting academic articles related to the economics of mobile source pollution control. The papers included explore why vehicles and vehicle markets are unique, provide estimates of the type and magnitude of the social costs of driving and examine estimation methods and estimates of the various elasticities of vehicle demand. Analysis of the social costs and policies to reduce both traditional air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are included. Selected articles review the range of evaluation of both regulatory and market-based approaches to controlling emissions. The complexity of the effects of different policies are emphasized and the unintended consequences of regulation are explored in the context of vehicle emissions reduction policies.