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I&M area is just part of county I could not help noticing in the Nov. 18 Since You Asked column it was stated that I&M certification is required for vehicle registration in Jackson County. It is my understanding that it is only required in the I&M boundaries, which I reside close to. My question is this: Why doesn't it include all of Jackson county? Cars outside the boundaries drive into town to work or shop every day, but don't have to pass I&M. In contrast, I and everyone who resides within the I&M who owns a motorhome have to pass I&M even though when we use them we drive completely outside the valley. -- William L., Central Point William, you and several other readers wrote to question our answer Nov. 18 regarding the Rogue Valley Inspection and Maintenance program that tests auto emissions for air pollutants: You're right. We goofed. The statement in our answer that said I&M testing is required for vehicle registration in Jackson County was incorrect. Testing is required for vehicles belonging to county residents living inside the Air Quality Maintenance Area, which roughly corresponds to the heavily populated portions of the valley floor. As to your question, I&M Manager Ted Wacker says you raise valid points, although he hastens to point out that it's not up to him to change the law. "It's never a good compromise" to set an artificial boundary that vehicles cross daily, he says, and he notes that population is increasing in the Sams Valley and Gold Hill areas, which are outside the AQMA. At some point, he said, state officials may want to re-examine the boundary for I&M testing. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA