The Maine Restaurant Association believes adoption by Maine of California vehicle emission standards is unwarranted. In adopting any emission controls, the severity of the air-quality problem and regional climate and geography must be taken into account.

Conditions that make the California program suited for that state do not apply in Maine. Additionally, Maine should consider adopting the most cost-effective solution to achieving cleaner air. The requirements under the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 and fleet turnover may be enough to ensure Maine meets air-quality standards.

In light of the fact that most of the East Coast states are moving slowly on adoption of California emission standards, it makes little sense for Maine to rush into something that could prove costly for consumers with little improvement in our air. R. Carl Sanford Executive vice president Maine Restaurant Association