The purpose of this project is to improve air quality and reduce the financial burden faced by low-income families when their vehicle fails an emission test . The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington s environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations. The Department of Ecology is responsible for returning areas with poor air quality to levels adequate to protect public health and the environment. In addition we are responsible for preventing areas of the state with good air quality from reaching levels that are not protective of public health and the environment. Ecology works in partnership with local air pollution control authorities to protect air quality.
Motor vehicles are a documented major source of air pollution throughout the state.
Because vehicle use has grown three times faster than the population growth, the toughest challenge will be to find ways to contain vehicle emissions. The study is the most comprehensive assessment ever conducted of the nation's clean-air laws. Ecology s air program developed its five year strategic plan in 1999 which focuses on the protection of air quality through an increased effort to reduce pollution from vehicle emission exhaust. Given the fact that motor vehicles contribute to over one-half of the air quality problems in the state, many vehicle owners are subject to the Vehicle Emission Check Program. This program is geared to address the population centers of Spokane, Snohomish, King, Pierce and Clark counties.