SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6261

BYSenators Owen and Patterson; by request of Department of Ecology

Revising the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

AS OF JANUARY 29, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1979 the Legislature authorized the state's motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program.  The Department of Ecology began the program in the Seattle area in 1982.  It requires most motor vehicles to be tested for pollution emissions annually.  If a vehicle fails to pass the test, the owner must remedy the problem or show proof that a certain amount of money was spent to try and remedy it before license tabs will be issued.  In 1985 the program began in Spokane.  The test costs $9.00 and must be done before a vehicle's license tabs are renewed.  The program is scheduled to expire on January 1, 1990.

The state program is designed to attain federal clean air standards for carbon monoxide and ozone.  Carbon monoxide is the primary pollutant in Seattle and Spokane.  Neither city has managed to attain the federal air quality standards and there are few other communities in the country that have been successful.  Cities in 30 other states have inspection and maintenance programs underway.

Communities with programs were to reach compliance with the standards by December 31, 1987.  Most have not been able to do so.  In order to achieve compliance with federal law, the Environmental Protection Agency has granted another five-year extension but required programs to be strengthened.  The agency has threatened to impose federal sanction on federal monies that come to states such as highway funds, sewage treatment grant funds, air quality grants, etc.

Currently, vehicles that are 15 years old and older are exempt from the state motor vehicle inspection program.  Specific criteria for the testing boundaries are established in statute.

SUMMARY:

The current expiration date for the vehicle inspection and maintenance program is to be eliminated.  The Department also is given the authority to expand the present emission testing boundaries.  Nineteen-seventy-four model and older motor vehicles are to be exempt from the program.  The Department is given authority to make grants to local governments for planning efforts aimed at reducing vehicle emissions.  Persons whose vehicles fail the emissions tests may be issued a certificate of acceptance in order to get their vehicle license renewal if requirements established by the Department are satisfied.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested