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Ozone Control Strategies

Mobile Sources

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments require states with ozone air quality problems to implement the following mobile source control strategies to reduce the emissions from such sources:

EPA New England's Air Quality Planning Unit has approved most of these programs, where required, into the State Implementation Plans.

Reformulated Gasoline

Reformulated gasoline (RFG) is gasoline blended to burn cleaner and reduce smog-forming and toxic pollutants in the air we breathe. The Clean Air Act requires those metropolitan areas with the worst smog problems to participate in the reformulated gasoline program. Many communities and states also have chosen to participate in the RFG program to meet pollution reduction goals of the Clean Air Act.

Phase I of the reformulated gasoline program made great progress. Between 1995 and 1999, it cut smog-forming pollutant levels by about 17 percent compared to conventional gasoline in communities where 75 million people live and work. Phase II, which began January 1, 2000, took another step toward cleaner air. It reduces smog-forming pollutants 27 percent more than conventional gasoline. More information can be found at the links below:

Inspection and Maintenance Programs

Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) is a way to check whether the emission control system on a vehicle is working correctly. All new passenger cars and trucks sold in the United States today must meet stringent pollution standards, but they can only retain this low-pollution profile if the emission controls and engine are functioning properly. I/M is designed to ensure that vehicles stay clean in actual customer use. Through periodic vehicle checks and required repairs for vehicles that fail the test, I/M encourages proper vehicle maintenance and discourages tampering with emission control devices.

Substantial reductions in vehicle emissions are necessary for many areas to attain clean air. Depending on the sophistication of the program, I/M can reduce vehicle-related hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 5 percent to more than 30 percent. A comprehensive I/M program can also yield reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions of up to 10 percent. More information can be found at the links below:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are all required by the Clean Air Act to have vehicle inspection and maintenance programs.

State Inspection and Maintenance Programs Links

Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, & Tribal Nations

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