Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Act of 1965
The Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing air pollution caused by automobiles, which had been identified as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Prior to the Act, the automobile industry operated with minimal regulation, leading to increasing concerns about public health and environmental impact due to emissions, especially hydrocarbons. Initiated by studies from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Act sought to implement exhaust controls on new vehicles within a two-year timeframe.
While the automobile industry initially resisted these changes due to potential cost increases, the legislation ultimately included provisions that allowed for flexibility in setting emission standards. The Act led to the development of various technologies to reduce pollutants from vehicle exhaust systems and marked the beginning of a gradual improvement in urban air quality, evidenced by notable reductions in hydrocarbon emissions in cities like San Francisco and New York.
The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency in the 1970s further advanced these efforts, leading to the introduction of catalytic converters and stricter regulations on fuel types. Overall, the Act represents a significant shift in regulatory policy, reflecting growing environmental awareness and the need for sustainable practices in the automotive industry.
Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Act of 1965
Added federal controls for motor vehicle emissions to the Clean Air Act of 1963. The Environmental Protection Agency sets automotive emission standards and regulates motor fuels and additives.
Origins and History
Historically, automobile manufacture had been largely unregulated. In the late 1950’s, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) studied causes of air pollution and determined that the automobile engine was the largest single contributor of pollutants, particularly hydrocarbons, to the air.
The automobile industry was opposed to any program that might increase costs and reduce sales; more research was urged. The environmental community wanted controls to protect public health from pollution and smog. The administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, while concerned with auto exhaust, initially opposed an air pollution bill introduced into the Senate by Edmund Muskie as premature but switched when “flexibility” in setting standards and deadlines was given to HEW.
In 1965, Congress enacted the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Act, legislation designed to control air pollution caused by automobiles by requiring exhaust controls on all new cars within two years. Subsequent legislation mandated higher standards in emission controls.
Impact
To meet emission standards, equipment to reduce or eliminate air pollution from crankcase, exhaust, fuel tank, and carburetor systems had to be produced. Some of these devices added weight and reduced fuel economy, hurting another environmental goal. Improvement in air quality was slow because many older cars were still on the road, but gradually the air in cities improved. Hydrocarbon emissions in San Francisco fell 25 percent from 1967 to 1976, and other cities, such as New York, reported decreases in air pollutants.
Subsequent Events
In the 1970’s, the Environmental Protection Agency (established in 1970) moved toward requiring engines to run on unleaded fuel. Catalytic converters became the primary method of controlling automobile emissions. States were required to develop implementation plans that involved the measurement of mobile source pollutants, vehicle inspections, and transportation control plans.
Additional Information
Lawrence J. White’s Regulation of Air Pollutants, Emissions from Motor Vehicles (1982) discusses various federal laws regarding air pollution caused by motor vehicles.