WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Division is accepting public comments on possible changes to vehicle emissions testing regulations through September 4th.

If the changes are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the emissions testing requirement would be eliminated in all participating counties except Mecklenburg County, and only a few vehicles in that county would be affected by the requirements. The General Assembly approved the repeal in 18 counties, including New Hanover County, as early as 2023.

Safety inspections will continue to be mandatory in all 100 counties; only emissions tests would be affected.

“Before these changes to North Carolina’s emissions program can be implemented, DAQ must amend its state inspection and maintenance implementation plan and demonstrate that these changes will allow the state to continue to meet federal air quality standards. The legislature 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 changes take effect,” a DEQ statement said.

According to DAQ, fuels have become cleaner since the program began in 1982 and modern vehicles emit significantly less pollutants.

You can find the full documents and drafts online and send comments to [email protected] (with “Remove 19 Counties from IM Program” in the subject line), leave a voicemail by calling 919-707-8429, or send comments by mail or fax to:

All rights reserved.