Brad Messer Commentary
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
This commentary didn't run on the scheduled date. Actual
air date Dec. 10, 2003
Tailpipe Testing Issue Surreal
New air pollution numbers just came out. If Bexar County had high-priced annual vehicle inspections with tailpipe emissions tests, they would do almost nothing to clean up our air.
One citizen who looked at the new AACOG numbers is Mark Langford. He wrote in an email:
"...the reduction would be less than 1/2 of 1 [part per billion]... That's right: the actual percentage is a zero point four-eight percent reduction in ozone (0.48%). Not even a 1% reduction...."
Now— here's where the tailpipe testing issue gets surreal. An Express-News story begins with these two sentences:
"Mandatory vehicle emissions testing is increasingly looking like a lock for motorists in San Antonio and outlying areas. A preliminary analysis released today showed exhaust tests were the most effective strategy being considered to help clean up the region’s air.
It's Alice in Wonderland stuff, folks. The numbers show tailpipe testing would be ineffective— and the Bexar County environmental services director then says emissions testing should be part of the Clean Air Plan. It is absolutely surreal.
Brad Messer— commentary, KTSA.
San Antonio Express-News 12/8/2003
Analysis shows emissions testing best course for region's air