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Both Sides of the Issue on VET Testing:

Correspondence Between The Air Pollution Control District and Stop The VET

#1 Correspondence from Air Pollution Control District Criticizing Stop The VET Flyer

----- Original Message -----

From: "Rebecca Stutsman" <RStutsman@co.jefferson.ky.us>

Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 1:01 PM

Subject: Anti-VET flyer

> Hello,
> I recently had the opportunity to read a copy of the anti-VET flyer that
> your names appeared on as sponsors. While you are certainly welcome to your
> opinion, the flyer does contain erroneous and misleading information about
> vehicle emissions testing including:

> The VET programs in Florida and Minnesota were not disontinued because of
> any public outcry or referendum. Rather, they were discontinued because the
> affected urban areas have since met federal air quality standards because of
> the success of the emissions testing programs in those two states. Also,
> the state of Georgia still maintains an emissions testing program contrary
> to the claim made on your flyer.

> In addition, the VET program in Jefferson County removes more than 28,000
> tons of harmful pollution from our air each year, including the types
> contributing to ground-level ozone formation. Ozone is the primary
> ingredient in smog which affects the respiratory health of the more than
> 100,000 people in our metro area alone who suffer from chronic health
> conditions like asthma. Also, unhealthy ozone levels can affect the lungs
> of otherwise healthy children and adults who spend extended periods of time
> outdoors playing, working and exercising.

> Jefferson County's air quality is classified as "moderate" by the U.S
> Environmental Protection Agency because of past violations of federal air
> standards for ozone. It is a required program for our county to help meet
> that federal air standard.

> While newer vehicles are less likely to fail a VET test, our program
> continues to test these vehicles because of concerns for equity, consumer
> protection and federal credits. We believe that all vehicle owners bear
> responsibility for cleaner air in our community. While newer model years do
> emit less pollution, there are more vehicles than ever being driven on our
> roads. Motorists in Jefferson County alone drive 21 million miles each day
> on their way to work, school and shopping. In the event that a new vehicle
> does fail the test, that vehicle can be repaired while still under warranty.
> Thus, saving the vehicle owner significant amounts of money that would
> otherwise be spent on repairs. In addition, we receive more credits from
> EPA for testing newer model years in addition to older vehicles.
> I would welcome comments from you on improvements that could be made to the
> program and look forward to hearing from you.

> Sincerely,

> Rebecca Stutsman, Public Information Officer
> Air Pollution Control District of Jefferson County
> 850 Barret Avenue, Louisville (KY) 40204
> 502/574-7242 (ph) 502/574-5306 (fax)
>

#2  Commentary from Stop The VET Folks

Points to Remember!

The National Academy of Sciences reported earlier this year that the overall benefits of I/M (Inspection & Maintenance Programs or VET Testing) were over-stated by 50% - 100%, and the small percentage of vehicles (less than 10%) that might fail the test are owned most likely by an elderly person or by younger less fortunate members of our community. These people are:

1) least likely to have the financial means to quickly perform expensive repairs within 30-60 days or to quickly purchase a newer car,

2) must depend on their vehicle for reasonable & reliable transportation and therefore generally take pride in their vehicle,

3) and they do not drive an older (more apt to emit higher pollution) vehicle to intentionally foul the air.

They generally drive the best vehicle they can afford.

The idea of issuing EPA "pollution reduction or SIP credits" for the other (over 90%) vehicles that pass the test is akin to fraud. No change is required for over 400,000 vehicles, which consistently pass the test. Most of these vehicles pass the test well below the applicable EPA standard. The only thing that changes is the pocket the $11.00 (cost of the test) is in. No claim can be made that the test alone reduces pollution.  However, as noted in Ms. Stutsman's letter, the new vehicles account for a large number of pollution credits, which are, in turn, given to businesses that want to build or expand in order that they can emit pollutants into the air.

Therefore, the VET test is simply a means of pretending to reduce pollution in the community only to allow more businesses and industry to increase pollution. Why else would an argument be made that ending VET testing will hurt efforts to increase economic development? The practice of VET testing under the guise of "cleaner air" only to allow more corporate and industrial pollution is a fraud.

The idea of exempting only newer cars from the test is simply not moral. The idea that we can hold a small number of people, (who are doing the best they can to get by), responsible for air pollution due to a desire to attract further economic development is simply wrong. Just how many people must have their lives upended by this fraudulent and punitive program, while the bureaucrats work out deals and compromises with business and industrial polluters based on bogus unearned credits generated by VET testing? Corporations don't breathe the air, people do! If any pollution credits are earned due to testing, then the rightful owner of said pollution credit must only be the vehicle owner. Otherwise, simply end testing now!

Also please note: Ms. Stutsman is dead wrong to suggest that public outcry played no part in ending VET testing in Minnesota and Florida and that testing was ended due to the "success" of the program. In fact, public outcry is a major factor urging other areas i.e Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania and others to seriously consider ending the testing programs. I suspect that public outcry will continue to increase and the public must be heard.

Don't forget, according to the NAS report Ms. Stutsman's claim of removing 28,000 tons of pollution is overstated by 50%-100%. In addition, Jefferson County has been re-designated to "In Attainment" status which means that it has had 3 consecutive years of good air quality.

I urge you to take a serious look at the facts surrounding this issue and consider that an overwhelming majority of the people subjected to this fraud want it to end. There are mountains of research on this issue and it is very clear that the time has come to end VET testing.

Thank you for your consideration and I will be happy to respond to your concerns or questions.

Sincerely,

John Riley

Member of Stop the VET

Louisville, KY 40222

JRiley8609@msn.com

502-425-5783

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