The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently amended a bill, Senate Bill 742, that would have exempted vehicles eight years and newer from the emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) program to instead commission a study.
The study will explore whether the direct impact of different model year vehicles will help ensure the program protects clean air and public health.
“The Senate-passed bill would have eviscerated the state I/M program impacting Pennsylvania’s air quality and small businesses,” Automotive Service Association (ASA) Washington, D.C. representative Bob Redding said. “ASA Pennsylvania members contacted their legislators and asked that they stop SB 742 from moving forward. This study allows policymakers and regulators to review these programs with input from consumers and small businesses.”
“We think a study is important to ensure that the emissions program enables us to meet air quality standards,” Ron Turner, ASA Pennsylvania’s Mechanical Division director, said.
The original bill was introduced in June 2019 with a package of other bills that would have altered Pennsylvania’s emissions I/M program. The House did not advance any of the other bills in the package.