§7549 High Altitude Performance Adjustments

Summary

Manufacturers must give clear instructions for how to adjust engines and emission parts for use at high altitudes and send those instructions to the Administrator under the agency’s rules. If the Administrator approves the instructions, doing the work that follows them will not count as breaking the law. The Administrator must reject any instructions that, based on basic engineering checks, would make emissions worse than if no changes were made. If a manufacturer knowingly fails to follow the rule to submit these instructions, it can be treated as a violation and face the law’s penalties. The instructions must also cover adjustments when vehicles move from high altitude to low altitude. Manufacturers cannot force the use of their own parts unless they prove those parts are needed to control emissions. Before January 1, 1981, these high-altitude adjustment rules apply in any high-altitude State as defined by rules made before August 7, 1977. After December 31, 1980, they only apply in States that have an inspection and maintenance program where national auto-pollutant air quality standards are not being met. The Administrator must set up at least one additional vehicle testing center at a real high-altitude site (beyond centers existing on November 15, 1990) to check emissions over a vehicle’s useful life. The Administrator must also create a high-altitude research and technology center for cleaner heavy-duty engines and fuels, with preference for proposals that share local costs. Finally, at least one high-altitude center must be designated for research on aftermarket parts, dual-fuel conversions, tampering, alternative fuels, and training, with preference for established centers that already do this work.