Governor's Health Chief Demolishes Polluting Car To Help Californians Breathe Easier

For Immediate Release

SACRAMENTO - California State Fair visitors today learned that improving air quality by getting dirty cars off the road is as easy as 3,2,1. Fairgoers joined California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Belshé in a countdown before she pushed the button to crush a high-polluting vehicle. The car demolition highlights the Governor's new Breathe Easier campaign, which includes paying Californians to retire or fix cars that do not pass smog check.

According to the state Air Resources Board, California vehicles produce more than 2,000 tons of pollution every day. Research shows that air pollution can exacerbate the onset of asthma attacks. Asthma is also the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic disease. In 2002, asthma hospitalizations in California cost $480 million.

"Governor Schwarzenegger's Administration places children's health as a top priority," said Belshé. "Air pollution takes a toll on our air quality and can aggravate diseases like asthma. If our children aren't healthy, their success in school and in life is compromised."

Californians with high-polluting vehicles that fail smog check can qualify for $1,000 to retire their vehicle or $500 for repairs to pass smog check. The goal of "Breathe Easier" is to retire 15,000 high-polluting vehicles annually in California.

"Every vehicle retired is another step toward cleaner air and protecting our children's health as well as our environment," added Belshé.

In September 2004, after a two-year suspension due to budget cutbacks, the Governor reinstated the vehicle retirement program. Program funding comes from a portion of the annual$12 fee paid by owners of new model year vehicles, now exempt from Smog Check for six years.

Vehicle owners can learn more about the "Breathe Easier" program by visiting www.breatheeasier.ca.gov or by calling toll free 1-800-952-5210.

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