The in-use test data, which has never before been collected by EPA in this large scale, will be used by EPA to enforce the standards and by manufacturers to improve their designs. The data will also be available to the public and to researchers. Savings will result from reduced reporting and pre-production durability and emission testing requirements, and timing flexibilities. Consistent with the Clinton Administration's pledge to write regulations in plain English , EPA's new certification regulations are much easier to read and better organized. They will also be much shorter, as the number of pages of regulations are cut in half.
Electronic submissions are highly encouraged, resulting in even more savings.
Environmental Benefits and Costs CAP 2000 will improve air quality in two ways. First, the increased emphasis on in-use testing should lead manufacturers to design and produce vehicles with cleaner, more durable air emission control equipment. The CAP 2000 program will significantly change the way EPA and automotive manufacturers do business together. This program allows vehicle manufacturers more flexibility in the timing for obtaining a certificate of conformity and in the way vehicles are tested for certification compliance. EPA will also be able to more effectively target non-complying vehicles for potential recall actions.