Summary

Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Environmental Protection Agnecy's (EPA) new rule on new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engine air pollution control. GAO noted that: (1) the rule would provide the main regulatory framework for the National Low Emission Vehicle program and create the means whereby automobile and light-duty truck manufacturers can volunteer to comply with tailpipe standards that are more strict than EPA can mandate at this time; (2) the rule is the result of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) recommendation that EPA mandate a low emission vehicle program based on the California program; (3) according to EPA, these regulations and other actions taken by EPA substantially harmonize federal and California motor vehicle standards, and once a manufacturer opts into the program, enforcement would be the same as any other federal motor vehicle pollution control program; (4) although the rule is made effective on August 5, 1997, because it is voluntary, it cannot be implemented until the OTC and the manufacturers reach final agreement on certain remaining issues; and (5) EPA complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.