ASA PA Supports Elimination of…:

ASA-PA Supports Elimination of Dynamometer and Tailpipe Emissions Testing

HARRISBURG, PA, Oct. 25, 2017 – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed House Bill 86 (HB86).  HB86 seeks to eliminate dynamometer (ASM) and tailpipe emissions testing for 1992-1995 model year vehicles.  

The bill was primarily sponsored by John Lawrence (R) of Chester and Lancaster Counties.

HB86 directs the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to, “develop and submit for approval to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) an amendment to the existing enhanced emission inspection program”.  This amendment will provide for performing a gas gap test and visual emissions equipment inspection on vehicles that previously required either the ASM or 2-speed idle tailpipe emissions inspection.

The initial movement for the creation of HB86 was led by the Pennsylvania Gasoline Retailers Association (PGRA) with assistance from ASA-PA.  Members of both organizations met with legislators in Harrisburg earlier this year to educate them on the current state of our emission program.  We believe that this type of grass roots communication with our government is the most effective way to share our industry’s concerns.  ASA-PA supports this legislation as a step in the right direction to modernize our emissions inspection program.

To be clear, the program remains unchanged at this time.  HB86 must move to the Pennsylvania Senate and then the Governor’s office for consideration.  If passed and approved by those bodies, Pennsylvania’s emissions inspection code can be changed to eliminate these old test methods along with the obsolete equipment required to perform them.  No changes will occur until the EPA approves those changes.  Therefore, Pennsylvania emissions inspection stations must continue to perform the ASM or 2-speed idle inspections as required until further notice.

To see the full text of the amendment, please visit http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2017&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0086.

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ASA-PA is an affiliate of The Automotive Service Association (ASA).  ASA is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and collision repair professionals. ASA services an international membership based that includes numerous state affiliate and chapter groups.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop-PA.org or call (267) 485-1ASA.

Introducing the 2018 Board of Directors:

Ross Colket, President

Joe Tranchitella, Vice President

Joe Rakowski, Secretary

Ron Turner, Mechanical Director

Thomas Gebbie, Legislative Director