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Event offers drivers free smog test
By Mark Grossi / The Fresno Bee (Updated Friday, September 16, 2005, 5:43 AM)
Here's a chance to get some free help for that gross-polluting car.
Motorists can drive Saturday to Fresno City College for a free emissions test. A smog-repair coupon for up to $500 at A-1 Auto Electric will be available to those whose cars don't pass the test.
People also may qualify for a state Bureau of Automotive Repair program that pays up to $500 in emissions-related repairs to qualified motorists. Or, qualified participants can swap their polluting vehicles for $1,000.
The voluntary program Saturday is sponsored by Valley Clean Air Now (CAN), a nonprofit air improvement group, and the Advanced Transportation Technology Center at City College. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McKinley Avenue parking lot.
"It's a great chance for people to get their cars checked and get money to fix them," said CAN spokeswoman Shelly McKenry.
Officials said there is no paperwork, no reporting and no government agencies involved.
Gross-polluting vehicles are among the biggest sources of air pollution in California. They make up fewer than 10% of the state's cars and small trucks, but they account for more than half of the state's smog-forming emissions from light-gasoline vehicles.
Many such cars are either older or poorly maintained.
The state usually requires motorists to pay for smog tests. Then, if their cars do not pass, they must pay for possible repairs, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
On Saturday, the CAN group and the Advanced Transportation Technology Center will offer an emissions test and, if necessary, an on-site diagnostic of vehicles. In previous years, CAN has tested up to 85 cars.
The event also will feature a car-crushing demonstration with high-polluting vehicles.
The reporter can be reached at mgrossi@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6316.
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