REGULATIONS
EPA Inspector General Releases Vehicle I/M Program Report
WASHINGTON, DC (Oct. 20, 2006) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspector General Bill A. Roderick has released an evaluation report that says the EPA's vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program "needs improvement." Roderick's office conducted a review of the EPA program to determine whether I/M programs are effective. I/M programs are used to identify poorly performing vehicles to ensure that vehicles are repaired properly, and to help reduce harmful emissions.
The Inspector General focused the review in Region 3, the Mid-Atlantic region that covers Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Findings revealed that the EPA had not ensured that these states had fully met their I/M requirements. Out of five I/M programs in Region 3, four reported that 12 percent to 22 percent of vehicles failed their I/M inspections. The fifth program has used less-rigorous guidelines for testing than required.
Covering all 10 EPA regions and 34 I/M programs, the Inspector General's review shows the EPA "has not been obtaining sufficient information to ensure that states are meeting their I/M program commitments."
The office of the Inspector General is recommending that the EPA "obtain and evaluate all required I/M reports to ensure that the programs are operating effectively." The review also recommends that the EPA provide more assistance and guidelines for states and state I/M programs.
A link to the entire report can be viewed on the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.
(Source: Automotive Service Association)
