NASHVILLE – A bill that would end vehicle emissions testing in Hamilton and five other Tennessee counties easily cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday.
Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, told Senate Transportation Committee members the program is no longer needed because all six counties are now in compliance with federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements for clean air.
“It is my argument today … that it is time for us to repeal the emissions testing and replace it with another strategy that puts less financial stress on those who can least afford it,” said Watson, adding those with the fewest financial resources are most often the ones whose vehicles fail the test, resulting in costly repairs.
In this 2016 staff file photo, state Sen. Bo Watson listens to attendees during the Education Mini-Summit 2016 at the Volkswagen Conference Center in Chattanooga.
State Rep. Mike Carter addresses a question during a legislative breakfast Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 at the Doubletree Hotel in Chattanooga, Tenn. Several items were discussed during the breakfast ranging from local mandates and education funding to correctional facilities and the opioid epidemic. The senator said that, while no one wants dirty air, “this strategy has done its job. It’s done exactly what it was intended to do.”
Watson’s bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, in the House, has drawn concerns from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau as well as Bob Colby, director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau.