Tennessee’s Vehicle Emissions Testing Program Ends After Today
Today is the last day of Tennessee’s mandatory vehicle emissions testing program (in five of six remaining counties), following legislation proposed by Senator Bo Watson and the late Representative Mike Carter.
The testing was initially created to meet federal air quality standards outlined in the 1990 Clean Air Act. However, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the majority of vehicles today are well within those guidelines because of newer technology and cleaner fuels.
“Lifting any unnecessary burden on the people of Tennessee has been one of my top priorities since becoming elected,” said Senator Watson. “Though the program had merit when it was created, the majority of cars today exceed regulations. Very few vehicles are not within those standards, and the owners - often the most vulnerable residents - are faced with costly repairs they cannot afford. With the end of the emissions testing, taxpayers can save hard-earned dollars while still upholding our pledge to clean air.”