H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 12.7.(a) of S.L. 2023-134 modifies the age of vehicles subject to emissions inspections requirements by: (i) eliminating the requirement for vehicles older than the three most recent model years to those within 20 years of the current model year; and (ii) requiring inspections for those within 20 years of the current model year and earlier than the 2017 model year.

Section 12.7.(b) eliminates emissions inspection requirements in 18 counties (Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, New Hanover, Randolph, Rowan, Union, and Wake), and require inspections for Mecklenburg County only.

Section 12.7.(c) requires that, no later than July 1, 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality must prepare and submit to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for approval a proposed North Carolina State Implementation Plan amendment based on the change to the motor vehicle emissions testing program set forth in Sections 12.7.(a) and 12.7.(b).

Section 12.7.(c) became effective July 1, 2023. Sections 12.7.(a) and 12.7.(b) become effective on the first day of a month that is 60 days after the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality certifies to the Revisor of Statutes that USEPA has approved an amendment to the SIP submitted as required by Section 12.7.(c).