State Recommends Ending Franklin County Emissions Testing
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission recently approved recommendations from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remove Franklin County from the St. Louis area vehicle emissions inspection program. According to state environmental regulators, the four counties included in the program meet ozone standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2008. Currently, all but one township in Franklin County meet stricter 2015 standards.
With fewer older vehicles on the road, testing in outlying counties has become an inconvenience at best and a financial hardship at worst. Newer vehicles meet or exceed existing emissions standards and those who can’t afford a new car to begin with might not be able to afford costly repairs that deliver questionable results.
Throughout this process, I have spoken to DNR officials several times and have told them that I would be introducing legislation to this effect if they did not address this issue. I have received too many phone calls and emails from my constituents who have encountered problems with the vehicle emissions program to allow this practice to continue. The actions taken by the Missouri Air Conservation Commission are a step in the right direction, and I am hopeful that the EPA will accept DNR’s recommendations. The EPA now has 18 months to accept or reject Missouri’s proposed changes.
It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri Senate. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3678 or by email at dave.schatz@senate.mo.gov if you have any questions.