Terms & Definitions
G-L
G
Gas Cap Testing
Since a missing or leaking gas cap can cost motorists approximately $35 per year in lost gasoline (through evaporation), gas cap testing is designed to make sure the caps "hold in" the correct amount of pressure, ensuring that gasoline vapors are not escaping into the atmosphere and contributing to our smog problem. 
Generally Available Control Technology (GACT)
Generally Available Control Technology to reduce specific air pollutants. Source: TCEQ.

 

Ground-level Ozone
Ground-level ozone is formed through chemical reactions between natural and man-made emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight.  These gaseous compounds mix in the air, and when they interact with sunlight, ground-level ozone is formed.  Sources of these pollutants include automobiles, gas-powered mowers, refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, solvents used in dry cleaners and paint shops, and wherever natural gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and oil are used as fuel.

Ground-level ozone can inflame breathing passages, decreasing the lung's working capacity.  Symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain when inhaling deeply, wheezing, and coughing.  Ground-level ozone can cause eye and nose irritation, aggravates respiratory symptoms, and further impairs the ability to perform normal activities.  It can dry out the protective membranes of the nose and throat and interfere with the body's ability to fight infection, which increases susceptibility to illness.

H
Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit checks: general condition of air conditioning and heating systems, level and condition of insulation, degree of outside air infiltration, and the operation and condition of lighting, water heating and other appliances.
Hybrid Vehicle
Any vehicle is hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power that can directly or indirectly provide propulsion power.  In fact, many people have probably owned a hybrid vehicle at some point. For example, a mo-ped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider.  
Click here for more information.
Hydrocarbons (HC)
The hydrogen and carbon residue that are left over after gasoline combustion. Hydrogen emissions are regulated by federal law. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.

 

I
I/M
Inspection and Maintenance checks whether the emission control system on a vehicle is working correctly.  All new passenger cars and trucks sold in the United states today must meet strict pollution standards, but if the emission controls and engine are not functioning properly, they cannot maintain a low-pollution profile.  I/M is designed to ensure that vehicles stay clean in actual customer use. Through periodic vehicle checks and required repairs for vehicles that fail the test, I/M encourages proper vehicle maintenance.
Infrastructure
Everything except the vehicle itself that is necessary for the utilization of alternative fuel vehicles, including: available fuel when and where required, access to parts, competent and capable maintenance and service facilities, acceptable trade-in and resale market. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV)
This is a federal standard only. Such a vehicle meets EPA, CFV, ILEV exhaust emission standard and produces very few or no evaporative emissions (5 grams or less per test without using auxiliary emission control devices). I KEVS are dedicated AFVs in most cases. Dual-fueled vehicles will be considered ILEVs only if both fuels meet the standard. ILEV credits can be banked in the Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
Inverter
Converts Direct Current (DC) electricity from batteries into Alternating Current (AC) electricity for use by a motor. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
J


K


L   
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Natural gas that has been condensed to a liquid, typically by cryogenically cooling the gas. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) A mixture of hydrocarbons found in natural gas and produced from crude oil, used principally as a feedstock for the chemical industry, home heating fuel, and motor vehicle fuel. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (LIRAP)
The Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (LIRAP) will only apply to counties that implement a vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program and have elected to implement LIRAP provisions.  
Click here for more information: http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/vim.html#im9
Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) A vehicle that meets EPA’s CFV or LEV standards or the California Air Resources Board's (CARB’s) . Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.

Click for terms: A-F | G-L | M-S | T-Z
Back to Terms & Definitions : click here

Back to Learning About Air Pollution: click here
Back to Air Quality : click here

 

For more information about AACOG's Air Quality Program contact:

Peter Bella, AACOG Natural Resources Director
8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: (210) 362-5249
Fax: (210) 225-5937
E-Mail: pbella@aacog.com