MEDIA CAMPAIGN FOR SMOKING TAILPIPE PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

DES MOINES - Airwaves and billboards will carry educational messages this summer to promote a program to help Iowans identify and repair vehicles with smoking tailpipes and help keep the air healthy to breathe, DNR officials announced today.

The media campaign kicks off this June and runs through August with billboards in the Des Moines metro area and eastern Iowa cities and radio concentrated in those areas as well.

"Over half of all vehicle emissions come from just 10 percent of vehicles on the road - those with smoking tailpipes," said Brian Button, an air quality spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources. The excess exhaust is unhealthy to breathe and the new program will help clean up the heaviest emitters.

"For infants, children, the elderly and persons with asthma, maintaining good air quality is vital for health and disease prevention," Button said. He added that those groups are most susceptible to air contaminants such as vehicle related smog, soot and toxins.

The summer campaign will promote the phone number 1-888-END-SMOG that citizens can use to call in Iowa license plate numbers of vehicles with excessive exhaust. Vehicle owners are then sent educational materials to help them identify the likely mechanical problems and solutions. Coupons for auto service and parts are included too.

"Owners can then make an educated, voluntary decision about what to do," Button said. He said many will take action after learning early repairs can help avoid costly engine damage, losses in resale value, damaged parts, decreased engine life, and fuel waste.

"Some repairs are simple and inexpensive, such as changing clogged air filters and tune-ups," he said. "Other repairs may be more extensive, but at least the vehicle owner will have information to make an educated decision on whether to make repairs."

Many states have programs to reduce excessively emitting vehicles, but Iowa is the only state to offer coupons for a voluntary program. Iowa's program began in 2001, with nearly 1,000 vehicles reported so far. "Iowans correctly recognize vehicles as a major emission source," Button said.

The campaign is funded with grants and does not use state general funds.

For more information, contact Brian Button (515) 281-7832, or by e-mail at brian.button@dnr.iowa.gov.