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Emission Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs have been implemented to help meet our nation's goal of cleaning its urban air. They have been shown to be effective, working programs. They are a reality in over 30 states in this country. In the battle for cleaner air, the motorist often says “I'm all for clean air, but…” The “but” is usually “what is it going to cost.” This paper takes a look at a period in March 1986, and examines the responses of individuals who returned their cars and trucks to the centralized Oregon I/M stations after failing the I/M test. In this survey, motorists were asked a series of questions about the maintenance and repairs performed on their vehicles. The paper reports the findings of this survey. There is a discussion of average costs associated with repair to meet emission standards. The paper reports which segments of the service industry performed the repairs.

The results obtained from the underhood inspection portion of the Oregon motor vehicle emission inspection/maintenance (I/M) program are reported. The underhood inspection for tampered or missing emission control equipment is an important element of Oregon's I/M program. The rate of emission control equipment disconnections are contrasted with federal survey results. These summaries indicate that this type of inspection shows reduced vehicular emission control tampering when compared to nationwide averages. This indicates that inspecting for onboard emission control equipment is an effective technique and contributes in achieving the goal of clean air.

Motor vehicle emissions have been determined to constitute a public health hazard, especially in the U.S. metropolitan areas. Under amendments to the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Congress has directed that national ambient air health standards must be met by specified dates. All reasonable control measures including vehicular emission inspection programs should be implemented in those areas not able to meet minimum public health ambient air levels. This potentially affects metropolitan areas in 40 states. This paper describes the implementation of an emission inspection program in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area, the effects of that program on the emissions from the area's motor vehicles, and the effect on ambient air quality.