Ways to Reduce Mobile Source Emissions

Regulatory Requirements

Federal Motor Vehicle Emission Control Program (FMVECP) [Exit DNR]
In general, the FMVECP refers to EPA’s efforts to set motor vehicle emission standards for newly manufactured cars, trucks, buses and motor cycles. Emission standards are set for engine exhaust and to limit emissions from the fuel management system on the vehicle.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Inspection and Maintenance [exit DNR]
The purpose of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance is to insure that existing vehicles are maintained and emissions are minimized as the vehicle ages. There are 7 counties in Wisconsin that are required to have motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs; Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha counties.

Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment [exit DNR]
As with highway vehicles, the EPA sets emissions standards for exhaust and fuel management systems on off-road vehicles and equipment. In general, the emission standards have lagged behind the level control for highway vehicles simply due to the large range of engines and engine applications for off-road equipment.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Vapor Recovery
Gasoline vapors escape to the atmosphere when gasoline is transferred from a terminal to a delivery truck, from the delivery truck to the underground tank at a gas station and from the underground storage tank to a car. Controlling the vapor loss from the terminal to the underground tank is referred to as Stage 1 vapor recovery. Controlling the vapor loss from filling a car is referred to Stage 2 vapor recovery. In Wisconsin, Stage 1 vapor recovery applies statewide. Stage 2 recovery applies in the Southeastern part of the state as part of the ozone control strategy. It also applies statewide for very large gas stations in order to control benzene emissions.

Reformulated Gasoline [exit DNR]
Reformulated gasoline (RFG) is required by the Federal Clean Air Act in certain areas, including a six-county area in Southeastern Wisconsin. The fuel is especially formulated to reduce volatile organic compound emissions (VOC), emissions of nitrogen oxide compounds (NOx) and certain toxic compounds such as benzene.

Low Sulfur Fuel Requirement [exit DNR]
These requirements began nationwide in 2006. The purpose is to reduce the amount of sulfur that contaminates the exhaust catalyst on a vehicle, degrading its performance over time.

Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) [exit DNR]
Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel cuts vehicle and equipment emissions. Environmental Protection Agency regulations limit highway diesel fuel to an average of 15 ppm starting in 2007 and by 2010 for off-road equipment. ULSD also enables the use of exhaust treatment technologies (which would have otherwise been plugged by contaminants in regular diesel fuel) that further reduces vehicle emissions.

Renewable Fuels [exit DNR]
Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, EPA is responsible for promulgating regulations to ensure that gasoline sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel. The Renewable Fuel Standard program will increase the volume of renewable fuel required to be blended into gasoline to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.

Conformity [exit DNR]
Conformity is a Clean Air Act requirement that serves as a bridge to connect air quality and transportation planning activities and is jointly administrated by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation. The conformity process ensures that federal funding and approval are given to highway and transit projects that are consistent or ‘conform’ to air quality goals established by a state air quality implementation plan (SIP). Conformity means that transportation activities will not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of the national ambient air quality standards.

Non-regulatory Programs to Reduce Emissions

Wisconsin Clean Diesel Grant Program
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has established the Wisconsin Clean Diesel Grant Program to help reduce diesel emissions from both public and private vehicle fleets across the state.

Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative (MCDI) [exit DNR]
This initiative is a public-private partnership to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions prior to, or in addition to mandatory deadlines. The goal of MCDI is to impact 1 million diesel engines by 2010, through operational changes, technological improvements and use of cleaner fuels.

Wisconsin Clean Diesel Coalition (WCDC) [exit DNR]
This is a voluntary coalition of public and private diesel stakeholders in Wisconsin that focuses on educational outreach and development of funding mechanisms to accelerate emission reductions from diesel fleets and support the goals of the MCDI.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) [exit DNR]
CMAQ is a federal funded program for transportation projects that improve air quality in counties that are either air quality non-attainment or maintenance areas for federal air standards. The program seeks projects that improve air quality including enhancing public transit and other alternative transportation, technologies that improve traffic flow and vehicle emissions.

Wisconsin Voluntary Emission Reduction Registry (VERR)
This registry is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources program that was created to acknowledge emission reduction actions that are taken voluntarily, without the prompting by regulations. The use of alternative fuels is just one example of emission reduction that can be registered.

Individual actions you can take to improve air quality

Actions taken by individuals may seem small, but when taken in totality, they add up to cleaner air. Taking mass transit or carpooling, even if it is just once or twice a week, can reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and save money! It costs roughly between 44 cents and 62 cents per mile (depending on car size and type) to own and operate a vehicle. Biking and walking instead of driving is a zero emission way to travel that can help you and the air stay healthy.

Visit the links below for driving tips that will help you become an Eco-Driver:

• Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air [exit DNR]
• Extraordinary Road Trip [exit DNR]