The Newest Frontier in Motor Vehicle Emission Control: The Clean Fuel Vehicle
By Ashley Morris Bale
INTRODUCTION
Motor vehicle emissions reduction plays a critical role in improving our national air quality. Emission reductions can best be achieved through a dual federal-state regulatory scheme stressing technology-forcing requirements and flexibility. To attain these emission reduction targets, we need stringent regulations that force industry to develop state-of-the-art technology. Flexibility within the regulatory framework allows industry to focus on cleaner air as the end result, establishing an alliance with industrial expertise to achieve emission reduction targets.
A dual regulatory program recognizes that air pollution does not honor geographic boundaries and that state emission controls need the support of federal action. Similarity between these federal and state regulatory schemes ensures consistency and simplicity. Finally, investing in motor vehicle emission controls now will avoid larger expenditures in the future. Without an investment of resources today, the costs to human health, agriculture and visibility will be even greater tomorrow, forcing future generations to shoulder exorbitant and unnecessary air pollution control burdens.
Motor vehicle emissions reduction plays a critical role in improving our national air quality. Emission reductions can best be achieved through a dual federal-state regulatory scheme stressing technology-forcing requirements and flexibility. To attain these emission reduction targets, we need stringent regulations that force industry to develop state-of-the-art technology. Flexibility within the regulatory framework allows industry to focus on cleaner air as the end result, establishing an alliance with industrial expertise to achieve emission reduction targets.
A dual regulatory program recognizes that air pollution does not honor geographic boundaries and that state emission controls need the support of federal action. Similarity between these federal and state regulatory schemes ensures consistency and simplicity. Finally, investing in motor vehicle emission controls now will avoid larger expenditures in the future. Without an investment of resources today, the costs to human health, agriculture and visibility will be even greater tomorrow, forcing future generations to shoulder exorbitant and unnecessary air pollution control burdens.