In the near future, I will introduce legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions testing program, known as the Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program.

Under federal law, the Commonwealth is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement an I/M program to comply with the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. Currently, Pennsylvania’s I/M program mandates that motorists in 25 counties undergo annual emissions testing. However, an independent study has shown that removing seven of these counties from the program would have minimal impact on maintaining federal air quality standards.

In addition, vehicle emissions testing has become increasingly ineffective at reducing air pollution, particularly with the growing number of newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles on the road. Since these newer vehicles consistently pass the emissions test, we should consider exempting them from the I/M program and reward residents who invest in environmentally friendly vehicles.

Each year, motorists in the affected counties are required to pay for and schedule an emissions test, which costs approximately $40 for gasoline-powered cars, vans, and light-duty trucks. Electric vehicles and diesel-powered vehicles are federally exempt, as are motorcycles and some other vehicle types in the Commonwealth.

I ask that you consider co-sponsoring the proposed reforms to Pennsylvania’s I/M program, which will provide regulatory relief and cost savings to our constituents.