Border Smog Reduction Act of 1998

Border Smog Reduction Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit noncommercial motor vehicles registered in a foreign country and operated by U.S. citizens, aliens who are permanent residents, or holders of employment or educational visas from entering a Serious ozone nonattainment area from a foreign country bordering the United States and contiguous to such area more than twice in a single calendar-month period if State law has requirements for the inspection and maintenance of such vehicles in such an area. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to operators who present documentation at the border entry point establishing the vehicle's compliance with such requirements. Authorizes civil penalties to be imposed for violation of such prohibition. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in States which elect to be exempt. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in a State and authorizes the President to implement an alternative approach if: (1) a State Governor submits a description of an alternative approach to facilitate compliance by foreign-registered vehicles with inspection and maintenance requirements that are related to air pollutant emissions, that are in effect under the implementation plan in the area, and that apply to vehicles of the same types and model years as the foreign-registered vehicles; and (2) the President approves such approach. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on a comparison of the potential impact of this Act on air quality in ozone nonattainment areas with the impact in those areas of the increase in vehicles engaged in commerce operating in the United States and registered in, or operated from, Mexico, as a result of the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Border Smog Reduction Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit noncommercial motor vehicles registered in a foreign country and operated by U.S. citizens, aliens who are permanent residents, or other valid visa-holders from entering a Serious, Severe, or Extreme ozone nonattainment area from a foreign country bordering the United States and contiguous to such area more than twice in a 12-month period if State law has requirements for the inspection and maintenance of such vehicles in such an area. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to operators who present documentation at the border entry point establishing the vehicle's compliance with such requirements. Authorizes civil penalties to be imposed for violation of such prohibition. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in States which elect to be exempt. Authorizes contiguous States, including those with ozone nonattainment areas other than those listed above, to elect: (1) to have such prohibition apply; or (2) to establish alternative approaches to facilitate compliance by such vehicles with inspection and maintenance requirements. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on a comparison of the potential impact of this Act on air quality in ozone nonattainment areas with the impact in the same areas of the increase in vehicles engaged in commerce operating in the United States and registered in, or operated from, Mexico, as a result of the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Border Smog Reduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct Federal departments and agencies to cooperate in State and local enforcement of State auto emission standards and vehicle registration laws concerning noncommercial vehicles entering the United States. Requires the President to deny entry (with exceptions for State-certified vehicles meeting vehicle emissions standards and for entry to obtain such certification) to any such vehicle transporting from a bordering country into a State containing a nonattainment area any individual who is a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or who is entering for employment or study purposes and holds a valid visa. Provides for fines and impoundment in cases of violations.