DAQ accepts public comments on emissions plan that could affect New Hanover County drivers

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Some changes to air quality standards could affect drivers in New Hanover County.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comments on draft revisions to the Statewide Inspection and Maintenance Implementation Plan.

If approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the revisions would eliminate the requirement for vehicle emissions inspections in 18 North Carolina counties: Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, New Hanover, Randolph, Rowan, Union and Wake.

Would limit the vehicles subject to inspections in Mecklenburg County.

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles requires vehicles in all 100 counties to undergo annual safety inspections. Revisions to emissions inspections would not change the requirement for safety inspections.

Before these emissions program changes can be implemented in North Carolina, DAQ must amend its State Inspection and Maintenance Implementation Plan and demonstrate that the state can still meet federal air quality standards with these changes.

A law passed in 2023 by the North Carolina General Assembly required DAQ to complete and submit the revised Plan to EPA by October 3, 2024. EPA would then have to approve the revised Plan before the revisions would take effect.

Related documents are posted on the Division’s website. The public is invited to review the Division’s analysis and draft revisions to the State Implementation Plan and to submit comments. Public comments will be accepted through September 4.

A hybrid public hearing will be held in Raleigh on September 4 if the Division receives a request to hold such a hearing on or before August 16. If the Division does not receive a request to hold a public hearing by that date, the public hearing will be cancelled. More information is available in the public notice.

Comments and requests for a public hearing can be made by email to [email protected] (please put “Remove 19 Counties from IM Program” in the subject line) or left by voicemail by calling 919-707-8429.

Current emissions inspection requirements will remain in effect until the approval process is complete and the state of North Carolina announces the effective date.

More information about the Inspection and Maintenance Program can be found on the DAQ website.