Sacramento, CA - Today the California State Assembly passed with bi-partisan support Assembly Bill 2683 by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D-San Jose) that will improve air quality by keeping 1976 or later model year vehicles in the smog check program. Under the measure, all pre-1976 model year vehicles would remain exempt from California smog check requirements.

"Without this measure, tens of thousands of vehicles will exit the smog check program every year, contributing to poor air quality and health problems," states Lieber. "California's smog check program is designed to help California achieve clean air by testing vehicle emissions. Yet, exempting cars through the rolling 30-year exemption seriously compromises the program's goal of clean air."

The Smog Check program is a cost-effective and equitable way for motorists to do their share to clean the air. Smog checks ensure that motorists maintain their vehicles in good condition, thus minimizing their emissions.

Data shows that older vehicles contribute disproportionately to California's air pollution problem, despite their relatively low numbers and use. An average 1976-model year car emits about 155 times more hydrocarbons per mile driven than a 2004-model year car. In 2010, pre-1982 cars are projected to account for 22 percent of the hydrocarbons and 11 percent of the nitrogen oxide emissions from the light-duty fleet despite accounting for only about 2.6 percent of the vehicle population.

"AB 2683 maintains the goals of the Smog Check program by simply ensuring that cars already being smog checked will continue to be smog checked in the future," states Lieber. "Excluding older vehicles from the Smog Check program significantly reduces the effectiveness of the program. The state must maximize emission reductions from cost-effective programs like Smog Check."

AB 2683 is sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Planning and Conservation League, and the California Council for Economic and Environmental Balance, a coalition of California business, labor and public leaders who work together to advance collaborative strategies for a sound economy and a healthy environment. Support also includes the American Lung Association, Western States Petroleum Association, Sacramento Metro Chamber, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Sierra Club.

AB 2683 will next be considered by the California State Senate.

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