Background: The Clean Air Act (CAA)

Air quality standards for motor vehicles were established as a result of the Clean Air Act of 1970, which charged the federal government to reduce air pollution levels nationally. In terms of passenger vehicles, the CAA limits the exhaust emissions of five pollutants: volatile organic compounds (VOCs; often also called hydrocarbons), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and formaldehyde (HCHO). These pollutants are the common causes of urban smog as well as the major culprits behind public health issues such as asthma.

One provision of the CAA grants the state of California the ability to set its own vehicle emission standards, as long as they are at least as strict as those of the federal government. In 1990, other states were given the option of choosing the more rigid California program or the default federal emission standards. To date, 14 states including California have adopted the stricter vehicle emission standards.

Legislation: Illinois Clean Car Act (HB 3424)

Illinois is aligning to be the first state in the Midwest to adopt the California vehicle emission standards for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. HB 3424, the Illinois Clean Car Act (www.ilga.gov), will require all passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks sold to emit less harmful pollutants which is a big win for all Illinoisans health, environment, and economy.

The Basics

• Passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks will be required to emit significantly reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and other air pollutants including several carcinogenic air toxics
• Reduce global warming pollution from new cars by an average of 22% by 2012 and by average of 30 % by 2020 and slash air toxics by 13%-21% and reduce critical air pollutants by 5%-16% by 2030
• Apply to vehicles for the 2011 model-year and after
• The Secretary of State can prohibit the transfer of a new vehicle or vehicle engines if found to not be compliant with the vehicle emission standard