Reduction Efforts

While there remains much to be done in controlling toxic air pollutants, Vermont has been proactive in developing and implementing programs to reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions. These programs include:

Inspection and Maintenance Program for Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles are a major source of toxic air pollution. Equipment installed by manufacturers to reduce this pollution is of little benefit when not operating properly. This program  requires checks for the presence and/or function of important components of a vehicle's emission control system as part of the annual Motor Vehicle Inspection Program administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The program requires a visual check of the vehicle's catalytic converter, a check for the presence of a fuel tank cap, and a check of vehicle's on-board diagnostic system (OBD) on model year 1996 and newer vehicles.

Stage I & II Gasoline Vapor Recovery Program

Important new environmental regulations have led to the phase-in of gasoline vapor controls at many filling stations in Vermont. These controls are referred to as Stage I and Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems. Stage I captures gasoline vapors displaced from a station's underground storage tanks when fuel trucks make a delivery. Stage II captures gasoline vapors displaced from motorists' fuel tanks during refueling. Both systems create a closed loop which keeps gasoline vapors from escaping into the air. Gasoline vapors contain more than 200 chemicals, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic (cause cancer), such as benzene. Stage I and II Vapor Recovery systems will help reduce our exposure to these toxic chemicals.

Low Emission Vehicle Program

With the 2000 model year, vehicles sold in Vermont will have to meet the state of California emission standards. This will result in cars that are 50 to 70% less polluting than the conventional vehicle. The program will require zero emission vehicles to be sold in Vermont, once the technology is demonstrated to meet certain performance objectives.

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Last Updated: 1/22/03