State GOP leaders want emissions testing eliminated

[Judi Lynn]

Thursday, October 27, 2005

State GOP leaders want emissions testing eliminated
By: Alison Hawkes, Times Capital Bureau
10/27/2005

HARRISBURG - A package of bills to roll back key elements of the state's vehicle inspection program is moving through the House at lightning speed, raising criticism that public openness is being traded for political expediency.

The House bills would eliminate the state's auto emissions testing program and take away the authority of a state environmental regulatory board to toughen vehicle emissions standards. A third bill would reduce the number of vehicle safety inspections to every other year, instead of current annual requirements, and exempt cars up to three years old from any inspections.

House Republicans filed the bills Monday evening, and they were brought to a not-publicly-scheduled House Transportation Committee meeting off the House floor Tuesday afternoon. The bill abnegating the authority of the Environmental Quality Board to require California emissions standards was passed, but the inspections bill stalled in a tie vote, and the bill to do away with emissions testing was tabled.

But the issues aren't dead, GOP leaders say, and might return as amendments on other bills.
(snip/...)

http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15460175&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478569&rfi=6

[leftchick]

1. Oh the irony!

On my daily walk yesterday I made the mistake of going down a main drag and inhaled a lot of vehicle exhaust. I thought to myself, how long before they eliminate vehicle emissions limits! Damn that was fast. :(

[M155Y_A1CH]

2. Speaking of irony...

The irony for me is that today is e-check day for me. I hope my car passes, it has pretty much sat for the last two years. I drove it less than 200 miles in that period and I pay 20 dollars bi-yearly for e-check. (plus the mental distress of the possibility of the car failing)

That is 10 cents per mile to use my car!

I don't mind paying for pollution control but it sure chaps my hide when I see all the smoking taxies, buses, and dump trucks. I wish it would apply the most to those who use the roads the most.



on edit: my math sucks

[goforit]

3. The GOP is the most careless and reckless species ever known!!!!

May their KARMA runneth over them!!!!

[underpants]

4. Wow no wonder the planet is trying to kill all of us

-as Vonnegut said.