What is EPA doing to improve motor vehicle emissions?

Since 1976 EPA has enforced the Environment Protection (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations relating to air and noise emissions from motor vehicles. These regulations cover visible and non-visible exhaust emissions, evaporative fuel emissions, and prohibit tampering with anti-pollution equipment.

At a national level EPA is involved in the development and implementation of new:

• Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for new vehicles
• national fuel quality standards.

As a result of the developments in Australian Design Rules (ADRs) as described above, older cars emit significantly more pollution than newer cars. The chart to the right illustrates this by plotting the allowable emissions standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) (compounds that form summer smog) against the year of vehicle manufacture.

Diesel vehicles

EPA is also responsible for implementing initiatives arising from the National Environment Protection Measure for Diesel Vehicle Emissions (Diesel NEPM). This program will see the construction of a test facility for trucks and buses in Port Melbourne. This facility is due to commence operation in October 2006. Some of its activities will include an extension of EPA's existing smoky vehicle program.

Training of diesel vehicle mechanics is being addressed through a cooperative program between EPA and Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE. This program is due to be extended in mid-2006 with the opening of a specialised training facility dedicated to educating both apprentices and industry in the principles of vehicle maintenance relating specifically to exhaust emissions.

National Air Quality Standards such as the National Environment Protection Measures as relates to Ambient Air Quality (Air NEPM) and Air Toxics (Air Toxics NEPM) also take into account the latest understanding of the effect of transport related air pollutants on human health. EPA Publication 1001.1 - Air Monitoring Report 2004 (Adobe PDF file, 666KB) assesses compliance with the Air NEPM.

Specific locations where air quality may be affected by motor vehicle emissions have been and continue to be subject to investigation by EPA. Air quality monitoring results and expertise are provided to the relevant parties, such that all involved may work together to reduce the impact of motor vehicle emissions in the area of concern.

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