Debate continues on car emissions, this time over rules

On Tuesday, the Senate Health & Welfare Committee approved rules on minimum standards for auto emissions in the state of Idaho. The original legislation was based on recommendations made by the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council in early 2007. One of the recommendations was to expand the Ada County emissions testing program to include Canyon County which has always been a hot-button issue and based on the testimony during the hearing on the proposed new rules remains so.

Always a contentious issue, the legislation was revised several times before finally being passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Otter on April 1, 2008.

Idaho Department of Environment Quality (IDEQ) conducted a negotiated rulemaking and almost two years after the bill became law, those rules were presented to the Senate committee.
After the presentation of the rule by Martin Bauer from IDEQ and a few questions by legislators, those attending who wished to do so were given the opportunity to testimony for or against the rules.

Essentially the same cast of characters that had supported and opposed the bill expressed opposition or support of the proposed rules. Chairman Lodge reminded those opposing the bill that since the legislation had already been debated and passed and signed by the governor, testimony should be limited to commenting on the rule rather than debating the legislation over again.

Those opposing the bill claim that there is no need for Canyon County to have to comply with a testing program, that the facts do not support IDEQ’s contention that the Treasure Valley is close to becoming a non-attainment area which would impact economic expansion and limit road building.

Supporters maintain that the Treasurer Valley is very close to being declared a non-attainment area because of ozone levels now. Having this program is place will help to lower ozone levels and also buy us time if EPA decides to require lower limits on ozone. With this program in place, we might be able to convince EPA not to take over regulation of air quality in the Treasure Valley. These rules are much less onerous that whatever EPA would be likely to propose.

There were enough aye votes by committee members to counter some no votes by Canyon County legislators and the rules were approved.