The Cupertino Courier

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Bill being considered in state capitol could help clear the air

By MICHELLE MAGHRIBI

Living in the Bay Area with its notoriously bad air, did you ever see a smoking vehicle and wonder why it's on the road and, more importantly, whether it could make you sick?

These same questions prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Assemblywoman Sally Lieber to co-sponsor legislation that would require vehicles to pass a visible smoke test as part of a regular California smog test inspection.

Lieber represents the 22nd District, which includes both Sunnyvale and Cupertino. She introduced the bill on Jan. 19, 2006.

"Currently, there are tests for carbon monoxide, but not for smoke or particulate matter, which is probably more harmful to human health," she said in a prepared statement. "People are getting used to calling 1-800.EXHAUST (394.2878) to report having seen smoking vehicles.

"Nevada has had the test since 1983, so it makes sense to get the requirement in California."

No additional test equipment is needed. What's checked is whether a vehicle is visibly smoking.

The bill must still pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor.