The RAQC’s goal is to remove high polluters of hydrocarbons (HC) from area roads and help to reduce air pollution in the region. The program aims to achieve reductions in carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and green house gases (GHG), in addition to reducing petroleum usage by replacing older vehicles with more fuel-efficient vehicles. 

“High-polluting vehicles pose a major challenge to efforts to reduce air pollution in the region," said Steve McCannon, RAQC program manager. “Ten percent of the vehicles on the road account for approximately 50 percent of the emissions. By taking part in this program, owners of high-emitting vehicles have a real incentive to help significantly reduce emissions. And by salvaging the vehicles, we get them off the road and ensure they never pollute again.” 

For the 2008 ozone season, vehicles will be identified and recruited through the state’s high-emitter program and screened by Emissions Technical Center (ETC) staff. In addition, vehicles that are eligible for the Colorado Department of Revenue’s waiver program and cannot be fixed will be included in this effort. The RAQC will work with ETCs to notify vehicle owners they are eligible for the vehicle salvage program at the time of compliance testing failure. 

Program vehicles will be purchased at a centralized collection point once per month. Eligible vehicles for the program must start readily through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries, and the vehicle must arrive at the ETC under its own power. 

Vehicles must also meet two of the following minimum threshold criteria: Ø       The vehicle must fail an emissions test for hydrocarbons (HC);
-Be more than 10 years old;
-Have high-evaporative emissions;
-Emit visible smoke; or
-Be deemed irreparable or face repair costs that exceed the value of vehicle. 

The RAQC’s partners in the vehicle salvage program include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), the Old Car Council of Colorado (OCCC), Envirotest Systems Products (ESP) and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Additional incentives for participants are also being offered by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). 

More information on the vehicle salvage program can be found at www.OzoneAware.org or by contacting the Regional Air Quality Council at (303) 629-5450.

For more information on Rapid Screen Testing locations visit: http://www.aircarecolorado.com/rapidscreen/locations.html


About Regional Air Quality CouncilThe Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality planning agency for the seven-county Denver-metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, businesses and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region. The RAQC has partnered with the City of Greeley for the Mow Down Pollution event to help raise awareness of air quality issues in Colorado and provide the residents of Weld County with earth-friendly lawn care options.