(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program, including the provisions of the test-only program described in Section 44010.5, is established in the San Francisco Bay Area Basin, consistent with the requirements described in subdivision (b).

(b) The department shall commence operation of the enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in the urbanized areas of the San Francisco Bay Area Basin, including directing motor vehicles to test-only facilities, after the department determines that an adequate number of test-only stations, test and repair stations, referee services, and other facilities and equipment necessary to provide reliable and convenient service to vehicle owners subject to the program exist in that basin.

(c) Upon commencing operation of the enhanced program in those areas of the San Francisco Bay Area Basin subject to the requirements of the program, the bureau shall utilize emission standards for oxides of nitrogen, and percentages of vehicles directed to test-only stations similar to those utilized to begin the initial implementation of the program in other enhanced areas of the state. The department shall phase-in more stringent emission standards for oxides of nitrogen and direct higher percentages of vehicles to test-only stations, so that the fully implemented enhanced program in the San Francisco Bay area is consistent with the fully implemented enhanced program in other areas of the state.

(d) (1) On or before January 1, 2004, and concurrent with implementing subdivision (b), the board shall submit for peer review the study produced by the University of California at Riverside and commissioned by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and any other available scientifically credible evidence, to determine the impact of the enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program on Contra Costa County and surrounding areas. If the peer review concludes that the enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in the urbanized areas of the San Francisco Bay Area Basin results in adverse ozone and other air quality impacts in Contra Costa County or parts of Solano, San Joaquin, Alameda, and Santa Clara Counties, the board, on or before January 1, 2004, shall suggest mitigation measures to the Legislature and to the respective air quality districts. These measures may include, but need not be limited to, a recommendation for additional funds to be made available for transit purposes and private passenger motor vehicle maintenance and repair purposes.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to seek implementation of those mitigation measures suggested under paragraph (1) that are found to be scientifically credible means to mitigate adverse ozone and other air quality impacts, are consistent with this section, and do not adversely impact downwind regions.

(e) Consistent with subdivision (b), it is the intent of the Legislature that the department commence operation of the enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in the urbanized areas of the San Francisco Bay Air Basin as expeditiously as possible in order to assist the San Francisco Bay Area and downwind air districts in meeting their federal air quality attainment requirements.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1001, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)