ENVIROTEST TECHNOLOGIES: FACTS SHOW VEHICLE EMISSION TESTING PROVIDES
MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL, Minn., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/-- Minnesota's vehicle inspection program provides tremendous benefits to the state and would significantly increase environmental, health and economic risks if it's eliminated. That according to Leo Carroll, vice president of Envirotest, the vehicle-emissions testing company that operates Minnesota's program.
"We're disappointed that Governor Ventura's budget calls for the
elimination of emission testing in Minnesota. However, we're hopeful,
that after examining all the facts, Governor Ventura and the
Legislature will see the immediate and long-term value of emission
testing and choose to keep it. Emission testing works. Eliminating it,
however, is an extremely high-risk proposition."
Emission Testing: The Benefits
-- Fewer "High Polluter" Vehicles: Since emission testing began
in Minnesota in 1991, about 600,000 "high polluter" vehicles have been
repaired or removed from the road. The pollution eliminated due to
repair or removal of these vehicles is equivalent to filling the
Metrodome nearly 200 times.
-- Reduced Carbon Monoxide Levels: More than 400,000 tons of carbon monoxide have been eliminated in Minnesota since emission testing began. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that strains elderly people, those with weak hearts and respiratory diseases, and pregnant women. About 70% of carbon monoxide in Minnesota comes from motor vehicles.
-- Reduced Toxic Levels: More than 25,000 tons of hydrocarbons, including cancer-causing compounds, have been eliminated through emission testing. Hydrocarbons, when exposed to sunlight, are part of chemical reactions that lead to ozone. Ozone damages lung tissue, aggravates respiratory disease and makes people more susceptible to respiratory infections. Elevated ozone levels also inhibit plant growth and can cause damage to crops and forests.
-- Satisfied Customers: Out of more than one million emission tests
done last year, only 55 vehicle owners (.000055%) registered complaints
about the emission testing service. Also, a December 1998 public
opinion poll conducted by Decision Resources Inc. showed 74 percent of
Twin Citians polled said "the program should continue." Of the 24
percent who initially said the program should be terminated, half said
they would support the program "if it could help prevent a violation of
the federal ozone standard."
Emission Testing: The Consequences
Health and Environmental Consequences
-- Increased Toxics. Without emission testing, toxic air
pollutants will significantly increase. More than half of excess
cancer risk from all air toxins comes from vehicles such as cars and
trucks. EPA studies indicate there is reason to be concerned about the
health impacts of air toxics in Minnesota. Levels of toxic air
pollutants are already above benchmark concentrations in the Twin
Cities for non-cancer health effects and cancer health effects. Known
or probable carcinogens emitted by vehicles include benzene,
formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene.
-- Violation of Clean-Air Standards. The EPA recently adopted stricter air quality standards for ozone, which underscore the need for emission testing. The standards are analogous to being granted four strikes within a three-year period. If the Twin Cities reach four exceedences, the EPA will classify the metro area a "non-attainment" zone, which carries a host of penalties and sanctions. The Twin Cities experienced three exceedences last May. These are significant because they occurred in May, which is not typically a high-ozone month. Factor in dirty vehicles and Minnesota is at serious risk of violating the EPA clean-air standard.
-- Elevated Ozone. Without emission testing, hydrocarbons will increase, leading to elevated ozone levels. Elevated ozone levels aggravate respiratory ailments, especially among children and the elderly. Elevated ozone levels also inhibit plant and crop growth.
-- More "High Polluter" Vehicles. Without emission testing, more
pollution causing vehicles will be on the road. Since 1991, nearly 600,
000 vehicles with high carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions have
been repaired or removed. It's estimated that passenger vehicles
contribute more than 40% of the hydrocarbon emissions for the
seven-county metropolitan area.
Economic Consequences
-- Loss of Highway Funds. Federal highway funds will likely be
withheld from Minnesota if the state cannot meet EPA clean-air
standards. This loss of funds could jeopardize multiple
transportation-related projects, including light rail.
-- Loss of Air Quality Funds. Without emission testing, the MPCA will have to find a new way to fund the state's air quality program. The MPCA has projected a $750,000 revenue loss if the emission testing program were terminated.
-- Higher Permit Fees. If the emission testing program were eliminated, lost revenues would likely be replaced through additional fees on industrial source air permit fees, putting a strain especially on small business owners.
-- More Regulation. If cars are no longer tested, new clean-air regulations may be imposed, which will be very restrictive on a variety of businesses, including utilities, refineries, auto body shops, service stations and drycleaners.
-- Development Restrictions. If emission testing is dropped, and the
state violates the EPA's clean-air standards, it is likely that
development restrictions will be enforced that limit or ban new
construction of industrial sites and business expansions in the state.
The Minnesota Vehicle Inspection Program, which began in 1991, is
administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in an effort to
help the metropolitan area meet air quality standards. Counties
included in the testing program are Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin,
Ramsey, Scott and Washington.
SOURCE Envirotest Technologies
1/29/99 /CONTACT: Leo Carroll, Vice President of Envirotest, 612-885-0955 M-F, or 978-287-5723 after 5 p.m., weekends/
CO: Envirotest Technologies ST: Minnesota IN: ENV SU: