In “Polluting cars get a free ride” (Page 1, April 26), the Tribune asserts that the state’s vehicle-emissions testing program is failing fewer cars since 1995 and, as a result, does less to reduce air pollution. At a time when the air remains unhealthy and more and more people are developing asthma, this is unacceptable if true.
Since it was first initiated in 1986, however, vehicle-emissions testing has been one of the region’s most successful air quality programs. Problems with the current program are largely due to the state’s inability to complete the new treadmill emissions test that was supposed to have been operational in 1995.
These delays have undermined efforts to achieve air quality that is truly healthy and may cause some to question the value of vehicle-emissions testing. But the Chicago region needs a good testing program now more than ever. We are confident that the new treadmill test will stop any “free rides” for polluting cars and accelerate air quality improvement.
