The North Carolina Senate has proposed a bill that would end emissions tests and reduce car inspections to bi-annually rather than annually, WECT 6 reports.
Bill 341 was filed at the end of March and looks to end yearly emissions tests in the state, though only 19 of North Carolina’s 100 counties conduct them. The bill would end emissions testing in every county–except Mecklenburg County.
The argument in favor of the bill cites that air quality in the state has improved enough to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards. Car inspections will still be performed, though every other year instead of on a yearly basis. Vehicles less than three years old will not require safety checks.
Grease Monkey Owner Kenny Pierce said the bill could result in vehicles emitting more pollution than before as owners can choose to ignore it for longer.
“If vehicles do start to malfunction or are not running as efficiently and if we’re not catching that with your yearly emissions inspections, then those vehicles can just pollute if that owner decides not to fix it,” Pierce stated.
