Program Management Branch - Mobile Sources
Mobile sources are primarily on-road motorized vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. They also include non-road equipment such as construction and recreational equipment, small powered equipment, and even marine vessels and locomotives.
These mobile sources contribute to airborne emissions of harmful pollutants; including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and nitrous oxides. Nevada's major population centers (the Las Vegas valley and the Reno-Sparks area) suffer the effects of heavy vehicle usage, including air pollution. The focus of the Mobile Sources Program is to develop and implement strategies to control air pollution from motor vehicles in Clark and Washoe Counties where these large cities are located.
The goal of the Mobile Sources program is the reduction of tailpipe and evaporative emissions from on-road vehicles. Gasoline and diesel vehicles of all weights are regulated. Three major programs (see below) are currently in place: vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (smogcheck) in Washoe and Clark counties; random roadside testing of heavy-duty diesel vehicles; and a program requiring alternative fueled vehicles in government fleets. Some of these programs are managed jointly with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Inspection and Maintenance Program (Smog Check)
NRS 445B.700-835 —/— NAC 445B.400-735
This program was developed jointly with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Emission Control Section and is administered by DMV. Its purpose is to reduce motor vehicle related pollution through the inspection and emissions-related repair of motor vehicles. Emissions testing is required annually in Clark and Washoe Counties, where Nevada's high population centers are located, to renew a vehicle registration. All gasoline powered vehicles must be tested, as well as diesel powered vehicles weighing up to 10000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). See the DMV website for more information.
Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program
NRS 445B.780 —/— NAC 445B.737-774
The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program was developed jointly with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Emission Control Section and is administered by DMV. Its purpose is to reduce motor vehicle related pollution by limiting excessive tailpipe or smokestack smoke from any vehicle, diesel or gasoline, with a manufacturers gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8500 pounds or more. This program is being implemented in Nevada's high population areas, but applies throughout the state.
Heavy-duty vehicles are pulled over for random roadside testing to determine if the exhaust from their vehicle exceeds state opacity (smoke) standards. Violators are notified and are required to repair and retest the vehicle within 30 days. Fleets may also request opacity testing in their fleet yard. If violations are found, fleet managers are notified and vehicles are voluntarily repaired and retested.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles (AFVS) In Fleets Program
NRS 486A —/— NAC 486AThis program was developed and administered by the Mobile Sources Branch of the Bureau of Air Quality Planning. Its purpose is to reduce motor vehicle related pollution by converting fleets to use cleaner-burning alternative fuels. State and local government fleets based in Clark and Washoe Counties and operating 10 or more vehicles are regulated under this program.
Alternative fuels that are accepted in the program include methanol, ethanol or other alcohol 85% or greater by volume (E-85); compressed natural gas (CNG); liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane); hydrogen; federal reformulated gasoline or its equivalent; ultra-low sulfur diesel; electricity; certain ethanol-diesel blends (O2Diesel), and biodiesel from B5 to B100. Hybrid electric vehicles are considered alternative fuel vehicles if the electric motor is used to propel the vehicle forward during some portion of the drive cycle.
About 50 fleets are regulated statewide. These fleets began to acquire alternative fueled vehicles in 1994 at a rate of 10% of new state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) acquisitions. In FY 2001, the acquisition rate reached its peak at 90% of new acquisitions. A little more than 10,000 vehicles are currently regulated under this program and more than 60% of them are alternative fueled vehicles. State regulations require that these vehicles run on the alternative fuel. As fleets replace older vehicles, eventually 90% of each fleet will run alternative fuels.
OBD and the Check Engine Light
What is OBD, and what are its benefits? OBD stands for "on-board diagnostics," a computer-based system built into all model year (MY) 1996 and newer light-duty cars and trucks. OBD monitors the performance of some of the engines' major components, including individual emission controls.
The system provides owners with an early warning of malfunctions by way of a dashboard "Check Engine" light (also known as a Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL, for short). By giving vehicle owners this early warning, OBD protects not only the environment but also consumers, identifying minor problems before they become major repair bills.
How do I know the OBD system is working correctly?
When you turn on the ignition, the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" light should flash briefly, indicating that the OBD system is ready to scan your vehicle for any malfunctions. After this brief flash, the light should stay off while you drive as long as no problems are detected. If so, you'll be glad to know that your vehicle is equipped with an early warning system that could save you time, money, and fuel in addition to helping protect the environment!
What does it mean if the light turns on while I'm driving? If the light comes on and stays on, the OBD system has detected a problem. Your vehicle might have a condition that wastes fuel, shortens engine life, or causes excessive air pollution. If left unaddressed, these conditions could also damage your vehicle and lead to increasingly expensive repairs. For example, OBD can identify a loose or missing gas cap (which wastes fuel and contributes to smog) or engine misfire (which can lead to severe or permanent engine damage).
What should I do if the light stays on? There is no cause for panic. The vehicle is just telling you to seek attention soon. When you reach your destination, make sure the gas cap is not loose or missing. Always turn off your engine when refueling. If the light does not go out after a few short trips following gas cap replacement or tightening, have your vehicle serviced by a qualified repair technician soon! Delaying assistance could lead to more expensive damage.