The following update is brought to you by Smog Coupons:
California’s air quality has improved dramatically since the first steps toward cleaner air were mandated in the mid-1960s. Today, many areas in the State are in attainment, and high pollution areas such as Los Angeles have seen the number of unhealthy air days drop nearly 40 percent, according to the American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2015 report. Recent studies, including a 20-year study sponsored by the University of Southern California, are indicating significant health benefits resulting from improved air conditions including improved breathing functions in children. While clean air will always be a challenge for California, our progress and success in this area is the result of many stakeholders working together as a team toward a common goal.
Government’s role has been to identify the threat to public health, visualize attainable goals, implement solutions, and monitor compliance. All levels of government, including various agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Air Resources Board, air quality management districts, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and many others, have collaborated together toward this effort. With the enactment of key legislation and programs including the Clean Air Act and California’s Smog Check Program, government has laid the foundation to combat the war on smog to ensure and protect human health and the environment.
Auto manufacturers have responded with advancements and innovation in both design and technology. Today’s vehicles sport fuel injection, sophisticated On-Board Diagnostic systems, and incredibly low emissions. The introduction of hybrid, electric, and fuel cell hydrogen vehicles will continue to clean the air as older technology is replaced by newer “green” designs. The auto industry has completely reinvented the automobile, resulting in significant benefits for consumers and the environment.