Today marks the 45th Annual Earth Day in the United States. Initiated on April 22, 1970, the goal of Earth Day was to gain awareness and support for protecting the environment for future generations. Out of this, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created. Over the past 45 years, we have seen a growth in the number of laws, regulations, and standards to protect the air we breathe, water we drink, and much more. Also beginning in 1970, the US created the Clean Air Act to protect the health of the public, which introduced new regulations on pollutants being released into the air. These regulations include those monitoring vehicle emissions. For the past 40 years vehicle emissions testing has virtually been conducted the same way. Either every year or every other year, depending on the state, motorists must make their way to a smog station to have their car tested. This method requires a lot of time and money on the part of the owner of the vehicle as well as the government: many having to use precious vacation time to wait in line at the station. While having your vehicle tested has ultimately benefited the overall quality of the air, it has however not been easy, simple, or streamlined.
Until now…
A new way of having your vehicle’s emissions tested has emerged that will result in less cost, less hassle, and less pollution for everyone. This solution is called EDAR. No more waiting in lines!
EDAR is a Remote Sensing eye safe laser-based technology capable of detecting and measuring the infrared absorption of gases being emitted from a moving vehicle. This system is able to see the entire exhaust plume as it exits the vehicle and creates a 2D image showing the plume, vehicle outline, and absolute amounts of pollutants such as CO, CO2, NOx, and HC. EDAR can be easily installed on poles all across the United States and all motorists have to do is drive under one of the units on their usual commute to have their emissions tested. The motorists then receive a vehicle report in the mail letting them know they have passed or failed their emissions test for the year.
Emissions testing really does not have to be so exhausting!
So, Happy Earth Day from all of us at HEAT.
Remember, this Earth is the only home we have – let's take care of it!
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