We all have a role to play in cleaning up our air

As the weather warms, wildfires rage and traffic increases, the toll of our daily actions on air quality becomes undeniable. We love cars – it’s part of our job. But, as the founders of The Lift Garage and Turbo Tim’s auto shops in the Twin Cities, we believe our role goes beyond fixing vehicles. It extends to protecting and supporting the communities we serve, including the environment.

Shockingly, just 25% of passenger vehicles are responsible for 90% of automotive air pollution. On top of that, nearly 25% of our state’s greenhouse gases are caused by cars, trucks and construction equipment.

Knowing this, it makes what we do so much more than just fixing cars. We all have a role to play in protecting our environment. Partnering with the nonprofit Environmental Initiative on Project Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) helps us do our part.

Project CAR fills the gap between getting cars back on the road and making them cleaner by supporting our low-income customers through free emissions repairs. Environmental Initiative has teamed up with eight car repair shops to fully cover the cost of emissions and exhaust system repairs on older-model cars for qualifying Minnesotans. Since its 2017 launch, together we’ve helped repair over 800 vehicles, eliminating more than 43 tons of air emissions.

We’re always looking for ways to improve emission control systems on top of drivability. Beyond cleaner air, fixing emissions systems enhances fuel efficiency, cuts down noise and prolongs a vehicle’s lifetime.

Car troubles often appear out of nowhere, becoming the last straw on top of a pile of stress for many of our low-income customers. Add that to the cost of repairs – especially for fixes that don’t affect drivability – and we understand why many don’t get their emissions and exhaust systems fixed. We know that car problems or not having a car, even for a short time, can drastically impact our customers’ daily life, stability and well-being.

Still, it can be hard to see vehicles drive away with unresolved emissions issues, knowing they could lead to increased emissions or further car damage. So, when the opportunity to partner with Environmental Initiative came our way, it was an easy yes. Now, when qualifying car owners pull into our garages, we can make sure they drive away with a smoother and cleaner ride, free of charge. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing their car problems are taken care of and we’ve reduced air pollution – without adding to their repair bill.

This important work is possible because of community partnerships and a shared belief that we can’t put a price on clean air. Project CAR is supported by Flint Hills Resources, Marathon Petroleum, the City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It’s a shining example of community problems being solved through collaboration. Being a part of Project CAR has shown us that together we can find real solutions to keep our communities clean, healthy and safe by reducing barriers to accessibility – all while doing what we love. And this is just a start. We’re proud to be part of this growing effort and hope other car garages across the state will join the Project CAR movement as we shift gears toward cleaner air across Minnesota.

Cathy Heying is the executive director and founder of The Lift Garage in Minneapolis. Tim Suggs is the owner of Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive in Northeast Minneapolis, Saint Paul Midway, and West Saint Paul.