Walgren (D-PA) amendment to the HUD & Independent Agencies Appropriations bill (H.R. 6956), to bar use of EPA funds to implement the I & M program for one year. Automobile exhaust produces carbon monoxide and ozone, which aggravate heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases. The air in many American cities is getting cleaner because of technological improvements in auto emission control devices which the Clean Air Act requires for new cars. It is vital that these control devices function properly if we are to keep these gains and further control smog and other pollutants. Unfortunately, the new technology is not foolproof. Auto emissions can increase dramatically through tampering or mechanical failure of emission control devices, by using leaded fuels in cars designed for unleaded fuel or through failure to keep a car properly tuned.

Thus the Clean Air Act requires urban areas which will violate smog and carbon monoxide health standards after December 31, 1982 to conduct vehicle inspection and maintenance programs. Such programs have been successful in New Jersey, Portland, Oregon and elsewhere, and substantially reduced air pollution. The Walgren Amendment would have made it impossible for EPA to enforce this requirement, further delaying the achievement of healthful air quality in many cities. Amendment adopted 200-184; September 15, 1982. NO is the pro-environmental vote. (The Walgren Amendment was dropped in the House-Senate Conference, so the vehicle I & M program remains a functioning program under the Clean Air Act.)