The Brazilian National Environmental Council (Conama) has issued a resolution requiring that all new cars be outfitted with on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems to monitor emissions-control performance. The resolution presents technical specifications and sets deadlines for installation of OBD systems, which feature a dashboard warning light that switches on when pollution-control equipment fails. It marks the latest step in an 18-year vehicle emissions-control campaign by Conama, a regulatory body whose 108 members include representatives of industry, government and environmental groups. Though the OBD measure is seen as a step forward, its full benefits are not expected to be felt until Brazil implements mandatory vehicle-emissions testing and penalties for non- compliance. “Unless you penalize a car owner for not keeping his... [Log in to read more]
