Smog II promotes health

Southern Californians breathe the dirtiest air in all of California. Los Angeles is one of the most polluted cities in the United States.

A study by Cal State Fullerton showed that 1,600 residents died from pollution-related illnesses. One of the main causes of this corrosive pollution is car emissions.

To curb this problem, Smog Check II was developed.

It would tighten up regulations imposed on drivers. Those operating cars which emit the most pollution -- called "gross polluters" -- are required to get the damage repaired before they can register their car.

Yet some people are balking at the fact that these new smog regulations are being imposed on motorists.

Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward), wanted to put a halt on this check. In an Associated Press interview, Lockyer said that the program is creating confusion and anger among motorists and mechanics.

For motorists driving cars which continue to pollute the air and mechanics who have to fix these problems, it's just tough luck.

Whether or not there are specific parts to the regulation that require adjustments, it does not negate the fact that tighter controls are needed.

Car owners that do not have all the money up front can obtain a one-time voucher which suspends the repair costs for a year.

If motorists pay $450 in repairs the person can receive a one- time, two-year waiver on additional adjustments.

Some of the hysteria surrounding the new smog regulations was created because opponents said that cars which do not pass would be confiscated.

But this is simply not true. Opponents also claim it is restricting the rights of motorists and allowing government to squeeze more money out of them.

For once, let's consider the right of Californians to breathe air free from cancer-causing, asthma-developing, illness-breeding elements.