Senate Adopts Emissions Test Elimination Impact Study

The State Senate today approved a Resolution initiating a study on the environmental impact of eliminating the vehicle emissions program in Beaver County, among other counties, according to Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.

Senate Resolution 168 instructs the Joint State Government Commission, a bipartisan research agency of the General Assembly, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of removing all Third, Fourth, and Fifth Class counties from the vehicle emissions testing program, as well as provide recommendations for Pennsylvania’s continued compliance with federal air quality standards.

“The time has come for a thorough, deliberate study of the potential impact of eliminating vehicle emissions testing in Beaver County,” remarked Senator Vogel. “Automotive and industrial emissions have been significantly reduced in Beaver County since emissions testing was mandated in Pennsylvania decades ago. Newer vehicles fail the emissions test at a rate of less than one quarter of one percent in the Pittsburgh region. In light of these facts, I believe it prudent to ask what the potential impact would be if we eliminated this antiquated mandate on Beaver County residents.”

The report is to be presented to the Senate no later than one year from today.

The adoption of Senate Resolution 168 coincides with an ongoing, state-mandated upgrade of all emissions testing technology costing upwards of $5,000 per inspection station, according to shop owners who have expressed concerns about the increased costs.

“I wrote PennDOT in April asking the state to pause the implementation of this costly requirement as we determine how to proceed with the future of emissions testing,” added Senator Vogel. “PennDOT refused my request and has continued to move forward with the directive.”