Emissions testing legislation challenged in committee

Representative Steve Kren proposed a bill this week to the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee that would have amended the legislative rule on emissions passed two years ago, saying that Canyon County commissioners weren’t given ample time to propose alternatives to a mandatory emissions testing program.

Rep. Kren’s bill would have raised the ceiling for ambient pollution levels in relation to the national standards from 85% to 90%.

Rep. Cronin noted that Canyon County had at least 120 days to put together an alternative plan. What they come up with was a proposed voluntary system, wherein those tested could enter their names in a lottery to win $5,000.

“I’m wondering, all of these other good ideas that we keep hearing about, why were they not brought forth with this suggestion?” Rep Cronin said. Rep. Kren replied that he thought that the commissioners thought their hands were tied by the words “equivalent to that of a vehicle emission testing program.”