Scope of Study
VEHICLE EMISSIONS TESTING PROGRAM
The committee is seeking a scientific study of the efficacy of the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Emissions Testing Program. Because of the technical nature of the research, it was determined to request the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) to conduct the study. In 1986 a similar review of the program was conducted by Program Review and CASE, and the request this year is to replicate to a large degree the 1986 CASE evaluation.
Area of Focus
Given the advance of technology in factory-installed automobile emission control systems, the study will focus on the changing nature of the fleet of automobiles using Connecticut highways and the impact an emission testing program can have on air quality within the state.
Areas of Analysis
Nature of the fleet in terms of age distribution, extent of manufacturer-installed antipollution control devices, federal emissions standards required of the manufacturer, and ability to alter tailpipe emissions through repair/corrective action
Probable effects of testing reliability of such variables as
variations among manufacturers and models
variations in atmospheric conditions (depending upon availability of data)
the pass/fail rate over time
Success of the program in effecting a reduction in atmospheric pollutants
Predictive efficacy of the federal EPA mobile model in light of the Connecticut fleet composition
Changes in ambient air quality since 1986
Cost/effective alternatives or modifications to the program to achieve compliance with federal EPA requirements
Areas Not Included in Analysis
Management, organization, and operations of the vendor
Specific operations (e.g., waiting times) of testing stations
Department of Motor Vehicles role in management and administration of program