University of California Transportation Center

We have carefully reviewed "Evaluation of the California Smog Check Program and Recommendations for Program Improvements: Fourth Report to the Legislature." Overall, we find it a thorough and competent presentation of the basic facts, though we disagree with the conclusions. Our major concern is one of perspective. It appears that the authors of the report are simply too close to the issue, too enmeshed in the details of implementation. We think it worthwhile to step back from the technical issues to take an overall view of the inspection and maintenance (I/M) program for reducing auto emissions.