In the near future, I intend to offer legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions test, also referred to as the Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program.

The Commonwealth is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement an I/M program to comply with the federal 1990 Clean Air Act amendments.  Pennsylvania’s I/M program requires motorists in 25 counties to participate in an annual emissions test, even though an independent study proved removing seven counties would have a minimal effect on maintaining federal air quality standards.
 
In addition, vehicle emissions testing has become less effective at reducing air pollution, particularly due to newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles entering the fleet.  If newer vehicles consistently pass the test, then we should exempt newer vehicles from the I/M program and reward our constituents for investing in environmentally-friendly vehicles.
 
Every year, motorists in 25 counties must schedule a burdensome emissions test, which costs approximately $40 for gasoline-powered cars, vans, and light-duty trucks.  Electric vehicles and diesel-powered vehicles are federally exempt, and other vehicles such as motorcycles are also exempt in the Commonwealth.  
 
Please consider co-sponsoring these proposals to reform Pennsylvania’s I/M program to ensure the Commonwealth delivers regulatory relief and cost-savings to our constituents.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0559: 75-4702(g)