ABSTRACT
As an example of the importance of equity in environmental policy, consider the “inspection and maintenance” (I/M) program made mandatory in certain parts of the United States by the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act. Most industrialized countries and some developing countries also have national laws already implementing or soon to implement I/M programs. In areas of the United States where environmental standards have not been met (“nonattainment areas”), automobiles are required to receive periodic examinations to ascertain whether their emissions controls are functioning properly. Usually, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are monitored at either dispersed locations (e.g., gasoline stations) or at a centralized facility, although the more health-damaging particulate matter (PM) is likely to be included soon. Particulate matter is particularly a problem for two-stroke and diesel engines.
