Gordon Duffy, Chairman of the state Air Resources Board, California's anti-smog agency, has released the following statement concerning the success of the Smog Check program. 

"In its first year, the Smog Check program has been every bit as effective in reducing pollution as we expected. About half of all the cars tested are being repaired or adjusted in ways that are reducing emissions as much as 50 percent. 

"One reason for the Smog Check program's success is its overwhelming public acceptance. In every part of the state we've found that most motorists understand the program and support its purpose. 
"Most of California's anti-smog standards impose requirements on manufacturers to produce clean cars. The Smog Check program represents the first time that the responsibility for clean cars has been shared with people who own and drive them. 

"The Smog Check is not the only solution to our air pollution problems. But participating in the Smog Check program is the single most important contribution motorists can make toward cleaner air by insuring that their cars are as clean as possible throughout their road life.

"Of course, the repairs that produce cleaner tailpipes also improve driving performance and gas mileage, so in many cases, the cost of repairs is an investment that pays for itself in lower operating costs and lower gas bills."