New Technologies: Testing and Assessing Emission Reduction Potential
Information on the evaluation and verification of emission-reduction technologies and products.
Evaluating Emission-Reduction Technologies
The TCEQ encourages product innovation and development centered on reducing mobile source emissions. However, the TCEQ does not test new systems or devices to assess their potential to reduce emissions. Instead, this testing is conducted by either the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To prevent violating federal anti-tampering laws when testing aftermarket devices, these agencies have established procedures for evaluating automotive products and certifying vehicle components.
EPA and CARB Verification
The EPA and CARB have both signed a memorandum of agreement to establish reciprocity and coordination in their efforts to evaluate and verify emission reduction technologies and products.- The EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) has created a verification process known as the Retrofit Technology Verification Process
which is designed to allow manufacturers to demonstrate that their product is effective and durable. There are two testing paths depending upon the capabilities of the technology manufacturer. - CARB has a program called Diesel Emission Control Strategies Verification which also involves different testing paths depending on the type of emission-reduction technology.
