Clayton News Daily

By Johnny Jackson

jjackson@henryherald.com

Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) recently announced its guidelines for the 2009 Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program, which has been responsible for identifying and repairing more than 1.5 million heavy-polluting vehicles since 1996.

With Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD), GCAF says it has helped reduce harmful vehicle emissions, and has prevented tons of ozone-forming pollutants from the air.

Starting this year, model year vehicles from 1985 to 2006 are required to meet emission-testing standards. Model years 2007 to 2009 are exempt, because of the low level of emissions produced by newer model cars.

Other exempt vehicles include diesels, alternate fuel vehicles which do not operate on gasoline, motorcycles and motor homes.

The 2009 program will include a change in the Repair Waiver limit amount, which will now be $787. The Repair Waiver limit amount is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Motorists can find a list of reputable repair facilities in their area, to assist with emission-related repairs, in the RepairWatch Public Report at the Clean Air Force web site, or at emission-inspection stations.

"We are dedicated to providing motorists with the tools necessary to follow Georgia's Clean Air Force program guidelines, empowering them to play a role in keeping our air clean," said Cherrise Boone, public information specialist at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). "We look forward to helping metro Atlanta reach record low emissions in 2009."

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On the net:

Clean Air Force:

www.cleanairforce.com