HB2546 is a bill that seeks to update the Annual Emissions Inspection Program in Arizona. The bill proposes to exempt vehicles manufactured in or after the 2018 model year from emissions inspections, contingent upon approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of changes to the Vehicle Emissions Testing Program protocols. The bill also maintains that vehicles made between 1974 and 2018 will still require emissions and tampering inspections. The Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is given the authority to establish rules for exempting newer vehicles from inspections and is prohibited from setting new emissions standards for off-road vehicles and engines made between 1999 and 2018. The bill's effectiveness is dependent on EPA approval by July 1, 2027, and requires notification to the Arizona Legislative Council by September 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for emissions inspections for vehicles manufactured before 2018, including those in specific metropolitan areas and those commuting to these areas. It introduces a pilot program for remote vehicle inspections to be completed by July 1, 2025. The bill's amendments will not be enacted unless the EPA approves the proposed modifications to the state's vehicle emissions testing program by the specified deadline. The Director of ADEQ is responsible for reporting any violations of state ambient air quality standards due to vehicle emissions and must inform the Arizona legislative council about the EPA's decision regarding the approval of the program changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-542, 49-542.04, 49-542.05, 49-543, 15-1444, 15-1627, 49-546, 35-146, 35-147, 28-6991, 49-447, 088-11, 28-2153, 28-2154, 28-2151, 49-558.02, 41-1026, 28-1100, 28-1103, 28-1144
House Engrossed Version: 49-542, 49-542.04, 49-542.05, 49-543, 15-1444, 15-1627, 49-546, 35-146, 35-147, 28-6991, 49-447, 088-11, 28-2153, 28-2154, 28-2151, 49-558.02, 41-1026, 28-1100, 28-1103, 28-1144