[sad-lumina-owner]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Beware take care.
Read you EPA and federal laws on tappering with it..
Before you even think about doing it.

A person can get jail time and big bucks fine for tampering with the federall emmisions.

http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/title2.html#iia

Its this simple:

Its illegal to tamper with pollution control devices, EXCEPT:

No action with respect to any device or element of design referred to in paragraph (3) shall be treated as a prohibited act under that paragraph if the action is for the purpose of a conversion of a motor vehicle for use of a clean alternative fuel (as defined in this title) and if such vehicle complies with the applicable standard [of emission requirements] under section 202 when operating on such fuel, and if in the case of a clean alternative fuel vehicle (as defined by rule by the Administrator), the device or element is replaced upon completion of the conversion procedure and such action results in proper functioning of the device or element when the motor vehicle operates on conventional fuel.

They can't and won't make it illegal to modify your car to run on alternate fuels.




Its illegal to tamper with pollution control devices, EXCEPT:

...
Nothing in paragraph (3) shall be construed to require the use of manufacturer parts in maintaining or repairing any motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "manufacturer parts" means, with respect to a motor vehicle engine, parts produced or sold by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine.

That is, they can't make you use original GM parts for replacements of any part of the system either, as long as the purpose and function of system the remains the same, namely the emission standards applicable are met.


So screw the oil companies, screw the car companies, and screw the government interferring with your absolute rights to competantly fix your own car your own way and improve MPG and Pollution too!


This is no COMMIE police state. And if they try to turn it into one, they'll have another revolution.

http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/


PLAIN ENGLISH:

http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/peg/index.html

"In general, when Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds that a violation has occurred, the agency can issue an order requiring the violator to comply, issue an administrative penalty order (use EPA administrative authority to force payment of a penalty), or bring a civil judicial action (sue the violator in court)."

Whoop Dee Do. "Halt, or I'll shout 'Halt' again."

If the EPA wants to go after you, they can bring a civil suit against you in court.

There you can ask the judge politely to tell them to screw off, because you're within your rights, and they have no case.

In any case, the EPA is NOT INTERESTED IN STOPPING YOU FROM USING ALTERNATE FUELS. IN FACT THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE:

Alternative Fuels

"The Clean Air Act encourages development and sale of alternative fuels. Alternative fuels are transportation fuels other than gasoline and diesel, including [but not limited to] natural gas, propane, methanol, ethanol, electricity, and biodiesel.

These fuels can be cleaner than gasoline or diesel and can reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. Renewable alternative fuels are made from biomass materials like wood, waste paper, grasses, vegetable oils, and corn. They are biodegradable and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, most alternative fuels are produced domestically, which is better for our economy, energy security and helps offset the cost of imported oil.

The Clean Air Act also requires EPA to establish a national renewable fuel (RF) program. This program is designed to significantly increase the volume of renewable fuel that is blended into gasoline and diesel."

http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/peg/carstrucks.html

So rather than going after you, they are going to leave you alone or even give you monetary incentives to switch to other fuels.

http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/caa203.txt

Here again:

"No action with respect to any device or element of design referred to in paragraph (3) shall be treated as a prohibited act under that paragraph if the action is for the purpose of a conversion of a
motor vehicle for use of a clean alternative fuel "


"Nothing in paragraph (3) shall be construed to require the use of manufacturer parts in maintaining or repairing any motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine. "


http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/caa205.txt

"In determining the amount of any civil penalty to be assessed under this subsection, the court shall take into account the gravity of the violation, the economic benefit or savings (if any) resulting
from the violation, the size of the violator's business, the violator's history of compliance with this title, action taken to remedy the violation, the effect of the penalty on the violator's ability to continue in business, and such other matters as justice may require.""

The EPA has no 'sweeping powers'. they have to operate under normal civil law, which means they have to prove a case against you before a judge, and an independant court will decide on fines, if any.


Lets suppose a worst case scenario:

John Doe modifies his car. Somehow he screws up the pollution control system, and fails the Emissions test. They tell him to have the car restored to its previous state. He does so and passes the E-test.

He reconnects his gizmos for more experiments. He's pulled over because steam is pouring out from his hood. The cops give him a notice to appear with said malfunctioning equipment removed, and the problem fixed within 5 working days, or he'll get a summons to an EPA hearing.

Whoop de do. He shows up and describes his device for alternate fuel use. They wisely drop the case, but inform him of liability for failng to pass the E-test, and require him to re-test the car.

And so it goes.

Jail time? Give me a break.