Happy Valley Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation aimed at reforming the state's vehicle emissions testing program. The proposal, sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr., seeks to reduce the number of counties and vehicles subject to emissions testing requirements.

Senator Langerholc emphasized the financial burden of current testing procedures, stating, "Too many motorists are forced to spend $40 every year on testing that is increasingly unnecessary and has little environmental benefit. Relief from this mandate is long overdue."

Currently, 25 counties in Pennsylvania require annual emissions tests under the federal Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. A study by the Joint State Government Commission suggests that removing seven counties from this requirement would not significantly affect federal air quality standards.

Senate Bill 35 proposes to exclude Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, and Westmoreland counties from the I/M program. Senator Langerholc expressed frustration over delays in legislative progress: “Emissions testing is ineffective, overburdensome and unneeded. It must end. Yet again, I am forced to introduce this legislation because the House cannot be bothered to bring it to a vote,” he said.

In addition to county exemptions, Senate Bill 149 aims to exempt vehicles from emissions testing if they are among the five most recent model years. According to Langerholc, "With the growing number of newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, vehicle emissions testing has become increasingly ineffective at reducing air pollution."

Both measures will now proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.