News on Smog-Fighting Program a Breath of Fresh Air
for California Environmental Health Professionals
Consumer Affairs Director Charlene Zettel Details Options for Crushing or Fixing High-Polluters

For Immediate Release

PALM SPRINGS - California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Director Charlene Zettel told environmental health professionals how the state's program to retire or repair high-polluting vehicles will help California "Breathe Easier."

Governor Schwarzenegger launched the Breathe Easier public awareness campaign earlier this year to promote the clean-air benefits of vehicle retirement and repair assistance for high-polluting vehicles.

Zettel brought a clean-air message to the California Environmental Health Association (CEHA) at its Southern Update conference in Palm Springs, noting how the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) has kept tons of pollutants out of the air as it helps owners scrap or fix their dirty vehicles.

"Studies show that air pollution contributes to respiratory problems for Californians, particularly children," said Zettel. "When we take high-polluting vehicles off the road, or fix them so they run cleaner, we're reducing pollution and making our air healthier," said Zettel.

Zettel provided details on the Consumer Assistance Program, which is administered by the Department's Bureau of Automotive Repair. The program helps motorists whose vehicles fail their biennial Smog Check in two ways: Vehicle Retirement and Repair Assistance. If they opt for Vehicle Retirement and qualify for the program, owners can sell their high-polluting vehicle to the state for $1,000. If they choose the Repair Assistance option, qualified owners can receive up to $500 in smog-related repairs to their vehicle.

The Consumer Affairs director highlighted the fact that CAP targets the worst polluting vehicles that contribute significantly to smog. She also told CEHA members how the Breathe Easier campaign is working to promote the program to encourage participation by vehicle owners. Outreach is conducted through the news media, advertising and public service announcements, publications, events and a Web site, www.breatheeasier.ca.gov.

CEHA is a non-profit association of environmental health professionals, most of whom are employed by local government agencies, including those that regulate retail food establishments, public swimming pools, land use/septic systems, landfills and water wells.

###

Back to Pressroom