Ecology proposes Emission Check changes

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - May 6, 2002

02-076

Ecology proposes Emission Check changes

LACEY - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment on four changes to the regulation that governs the motor-vehicle Emission Check program.

The program tests motor vehicle emissions in urban areas of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Clark counties.

The proposed changes would:

Change testing procedures for diesel cars and light trucks. Currently, all diesel vehicles receive a "snap-idle" test that requires them to "rev" briefly at full throttle. Some vehicle owners have expressed concerns that this could cause engine damage. Diesel cars and light trucks instead would take a test similar to what gasoline vehicles receive, which does not involve a full-throttle test.
Clarify that all emission tests are valid for at least 12 months.
Require automotive repair businesses that wish to be listed as Ecology-authorized repair facilities to have equipment needed to check data from the on-board computers of 1996 and newer vehicles.
Remove obsolete language.

The proposal can be obtained on the Internet at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173422.html. (Note: Link removed August 8, 2002.)

A public comment period on the proposed rule changes extends through May 30. Comments may be submitted to John Raymond, Department of Ecology Air Quality Program, Olympia, Wash., 98504-7600, 360-407-6856, jray461@ecy.wa.gov.

As part of the comment period, Ecology will conduct a public hearing on the proposal at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at Ecology's Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Ave. S.E., in Bellevue.

Contact: Larry Altose, public information officer, 425-649-7009

For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/CARS/Automotive_Pages.htm