INITIATIVES
Building a Regulatory Framework
The Clean Air Association is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on air quality regulation through active engagement with international regulatory bodies. As a consultative body to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) WP.29, we have been involved in meetings of the Working Party on Pollution and Energy. Through this collaboration, we contribute to developing and refining regulatory frameworks that promote better air quality standards globally.
In our consultative capacity, we have submitted several proposals for amendments to UNECE regulations to strengthen environmental protections. One significant proposal we made was to amend UN Regulation No. 83, which pertains to the use of defeat devices in emissions control systems. Defeat devices are mechanisms or software that can alter how a vehicle’s emissions control system operates, often reducing its effectiveness under normal driving conditions.
Our proposal sought to clarify and tighten the conditions under which the use of defeat devices could be justified. We argued that defeat devices should only be allowed if there is an immediate risk of damage to the engine or vehicle that would create a specific hazard when the vehicle is driven, and only if no other technical solution is available to prevent this risk. This amendment aims to harmonize regulations across regions and ensure legal clarity, while also maintaining a high level of environmental protection by preventing the misuse of defeat devices that could compromise emissions control efforts
Investigating Life Cycle Assessment & End-of-Life Compliance
At the Clean Air Association, we are dedicated to improving air quality and ensuring environmental standards are met across industries. Recently, we have embarked on a new initiative to investigate compliance with End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulations within the automotive industry. Our focus is on assessing whether vehicles are being manufactured in a manner that supports proper recycling and disposal at the end of their life cycle. This involves examining if manufacturers are designing vehicles with materials and components that can be easily dismantled and recycled, thus reducing environmental impact.
In addition to evaluating manufacturing practices, we are investigating how vehicles are handled when they reach the end of their useful life. Our goal is to ensure that the dismantling and recycling processes align with ELV regulations, particularly in managing hazardous materials and reclaiming recyclable parts. This includes reviewing the infrastructure and practices of recycling facilities to confirm they are prepared to manage the complexities of modern vehicles. By focusing on the entire vehicle lifecycle, we aim to identify key areas for improvement and advocate for stronger environmental practices.
Understanding and ensuring compliance with ELV regulations is closely linked to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as it addresses the full range of a vehicle's environmental impact. Proper management at the end-of-life stage is essential for minimizing waste and preventing pollution, which directly affects air quality. When vehicles are designed and disposed of responsibly, it reduces the release of harmful substances, lowering emissions that contribute to air pollution. By promoting sustainable practices through ELV compliance, we help support a comprehensive LCA approach, ultimately contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for everyone.
Ensuring Effective Enforcement of Emissions Standards for Cleaner Air
For the past six years, members of the Clean Air Association have been diligently conducting extensive research and investigations into potential violations of emissions regulations by light vehicle manufacturers. Our comprehensive findings have uncovered significant gaps in compliance and enforcement, revealing that both type approval authorities and manufacturers have not taken sufficient measures to safeguard our air quality, particularly concerning emissions from diesel vehicles. These lapses have contributed to an ongoing public health concern, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and accountability within the industry.
To address these issues, the Clean Air Association has actively engaged with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, industry participants, legal experts, academics, the press, other NGOs, and technical experts. Through these collaborations, we aim to raise awareness about the critical importance of enforcing emissions standards and the long-term impacts of non-compliance on both the environment and public health. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, we strive to foster a more transparent dialogue and encourage meaningful actions to rectify the current shortcomings in emissions regulation.
The Clean Air Association remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the proper enforcement of emissions regulations and addressing any breaches that threaten our environment and the well-being of the public. We are dedicated to holding accountable those responsible for violating these standards and advocating for robust policies that protect our air quality. Our mission is to create a cleaner, healthier future for all by promoting rigorous environmental stewardship and upholding the principles of public health and safety.