Wisconsin Republicans Push to End Emissions Testing in SE WI

GREENFIELD, Wis. (Civic Media) – Some Wisconsin lawmakers are calling for an end to the state’s long-running vehicle emissions testing program, saying it’s an outdated requirement that creates a burden for drivers in southeastern Wisconsin.

Speaking Monday in Greenfield, state Rep. Bob Donovan and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany urged Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency to drop the federal mandate. The testing, required every two years in seven counties including Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee, began in 1984 under the federal Clean Air Act.

“This doesn’t make sense any longer,” Donovan said. “For 40 years, those residents have had to put up with this, and science has advanced.”

Tiffany, who is running for governor, said he plans to request a waiver from the EPA and focus instead on air pollution drifting into Wisconsin from the Chicago area. He and other lawmakers estimate drivers spent $270 million on emissions testing and related costs in one year.

In a statement, the EPA said the program remains required in seven counties because the region still fails to meet federal air quality standards. The agency added it will continue working with Wisconsin to reach compliance.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes criticized Tiffany’s comments, saying the congressman is deflecting from economic issues. Barnes, who previously chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, talked instead about plans to expand BadgerCare, freeze utility rates and pursue policies aimed at lowering household costs.