U.S. EPA Takes Action Relevant to Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Colorado and Arizona
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave final approval to changes in Colorado’s Enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance (IM) program. In the implementation plan submitted to the EPA, Colorado proposed making the following substantive changes:
- Removing the requirement for a visual inspection of emission control devices model year vehicles 1975-1995. However, the visual inspection requirement remains to obtain a waiver of the certification of emissions compliance.
- Requiring that only OEM catalytic converters be used to replace a vehicle’s catalytic converter when a failed inspection necessitates that it be replaced
- Requiring that an IM program certified emissions technical center licenser or its designee certify that a vehicle engine replacement conforms to certain requirements.
The U.S. EPA is also proposing a determination that the Phoenix-Mesa area remain classified as a moderate nonattainment areadespite failing to maintain certain air quality standards. Under the proposal, the EPA argues that the area would have met the standards were it not for emissions originating outside the United States. If the EPA approves this proposal, Arizona wouldn’t have to make changes to its IM program.
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments of 1990, certain geographic areas of the United States are required to maintain vehicle IM programs to combat vehicle emissions. The CAA gives states flexibility in determining how to comply with certain CAA requirements. The U.S. EPA must approve each state’s implementation plan and changes to them.
The CAA requires ozone nonattainment areas classified as “moderate” with an urbanized population over 200,000 in 1990 to operate a basic IM program. Only light-duty vehicles are subject to the program in these areas. Ozone nonattainment areas classified as “serious,” “severe,” or “extreme” with an urbanized population over 200,000 in 1980 must operate an enhanced IM program. All vehicles must receive these inspections, regardless of their weight or duty classification.
Click here to read the proposal of changes Colorado submitted to the U.S. EPA for approval
Click here to read more about vehicle emissions inspections required under the CAA