A bill that would create a vehicle inspection program in any air shed where air pollution was approaching nonattainment standards was passed by the Senate.
The air quality problem in the Treasure Valley has been politically difficult to deal with, said the bill’s co-sponsor, Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise.
It’s a health, environment and economic issue – it may cost the Treasure Valley millions if air quality slips into nonattainment, he said.
“Growth is what’s driving it,” he said. “We’ve done nothing about automobiles in Canyon County.”
The bill passed the Senate 20 to 15.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently lowered the limit on the amount of ozone – the primary component of smog – allowed in a given region. Air quality in the Treasure Valley may already be in violation of the new standard.
Stricter emissions testing was one of six recommendations the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council made to the state Legislature last year.
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