H.P. 1174 - L.D. 1651
Resolve, Directing the Department of Environmental Protection to Study and Make Recommendations on the Establishment of a Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program to Meet the Requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act
Sec. 1. Study. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall study options for complying with the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act relating to a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in the State; and be it further
Sec. 2. Recommendations; report. Resolved: That the commissioner shall submit a report of the commissioner's findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 5, 1998.
The report must include at least 2 proposals for a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program. The proposals must include the following.
1. Each proposal must address the following elements: geographic coverage, network type, test frequency, model year coverage, vehicle type coverage, exhaust emission test type, emission standards and emission control device inspections.
2. One of the proposals must include the following program components: statewide coverage and testing of light duty motor vehicles at the time of the existing annual safety inspection.
3. One proposal must include coverage of heavy duty diesel-powered vehicles. In developing a proposal for testing these vehicles, the commissioner shall consider both roadside testing and annual testing at the time of inspection.
4. Each of the proposals must include recommendations for addressing the needs of low-income vehicle owners for whom the inspection fee and repair costs may pose an unreasonable economic burden.
5. Each of the proposals must specify a time frame for implementation that provides adequate time for public education and a pilot program.
In addition to the proposals for a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program, the report must include a recommendation as to whether an alternative strategy or program can be used, alone or in conjunction with a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program, to achieve compliance with federal requirements through the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Project XL program, defined at 60 Federal Register, 27,282(1995). In studying the Project XL program, the commissioner shall consider, but is not limited to, strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled in passenger cars and trucks.
In developing the proposals, the commissioner shall solicit input from the public. The Commissioner of Public Safety and the Secretary of State shall work with the commissioner in developing the proposals.
In the report, the commissioner shall rank the proposals and provide a justification for the rankings, including a description of environmental benefits and estimated costs to vehicle owners and station owners.
The commissioner shall also make a recommendation on the feasibility of including in any new motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program a method of providing credits toward the program requirements to motor vehicle owners who incurred costs under the repealed emission inspection program pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, former chapter 28; and be it further
Sec. 3. Interim updates. Resolved: That the commissioner shall meet with the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources or a subcommittee appointed by the chairs at least twice between July 1, 1997 and December 1, 1997 to update and consult with the committee on the progress of the study; and be it further
Sec. 4. Legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources is authorized to report out legislation relating to a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program or a Project XL program during the Second Regular Session of the 118th Legislature.
Effective September 19, 1997, unless otherwise indicated.
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