Estimating Emissions Reductions from Vehicle Retirement Programs (Completed 1997)

Performer(s): Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Sponsor(s): FHWA

To order:

Kevin N. Black. FHWA, HEPN-10, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590;
Tel: 202-366-9485; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Kevin.n.black@fhwa.dot.gov;
Order Nos.: FHWA-PD-97-011; DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-97-4; NTIS No. PB97153795.

Abstract

The final report assesses the effectiveness of vehicle retirement programs in reducing transportation emissions. The impact of eliminating cars and light trucks more than 20 years old was analyzed using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MOBILE 5a emission model. An emission reduction potential of less than 5 percent was identified. While this reduction is large compared to most transportation control strategies, it is small compared to other actions such as inspection and maintenance or the use of reformulated fuels. Significant variations in results occur if local rather than national default age and use data are used. Finally, the emission rates from older vehicles used in the Mobil model appear to be understated in the Mobil Model when compared to other studies of older vehicles.

Evaluation of the MOBILE Vehicle Emission Model (Completed 1994)

Performer(s): Sierra Research, Inc.
Sponsor(s):FHWA

To order:

Adrica Coates. FHWA , HEPN-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590;
Tel: 202-366-6724; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Adrica.coates@fhwa.dot.gov;
Order Nos.: FHWA-PD-94-038; DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-94-8; NTIS No. PB95170239.

Abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MOBILE5 model is used to estimate emissions from
on-road motor vehicles. MOBILE5 represents the fifth version of this program, which has undergone continuous revision in attempts to estimate mobile source emission trends since its development in the late 1970s. Modifications have been made to the MOBILE model structure in attempts to account for technical and policy changes including Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) programs, reformulated gasoline and oxyfuel programs, and other initiatives. Comparisons are made between the assumptions used in MOBILE5, MOBILE4.1, MOBILE 4, and emission rate projections.