[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Requests Emissions Testing Exemption for Motorcycles in Phoenix Metropolitan Area

[media@lists.azdeq.gov]

PHOENIX - (DATE) - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials
announced today that they have requested the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the exemption of motorcycles in the
Phoenix metropolitan area from the State's vehicle emissions inspection
(VEI) program.

 

"Since January, Governor (Jan) Brewer has asked her agencies to
streamline Arizona government," said ADEQ Director Benjamin H. Grumbles.
"This is a great example of how our agency can make the lives of state
residents simpler and still ensure Arizona has clean air to breathe."

 

Phoenix is the only metropolitan area in the country in which motorcycle
emissions are required to be tested. Because motorcycles make up only
3.5 percent of the vehicles tested and test failure rates have decreased
significantly, testing and repair of motorcycles does not provide a
significant benefit in improving air quality, according to a recent
analysis by ADEQ and the Maricopa Association of Governments.

 

"This is a good step and it follows through on the Legislature's action
in 2008 to help motorcycle owners save time and money without putting
air quality at risk. We will also continue to encourage everyone to
drive wisely and that includes using fuel efficient vehicles and keeping
engines properly tuned and tires properly inflated," Grumbles said.

 

Cars, trucks, and motorcycles have their emissions tested as part of a
program to help reduce the levels of carbon monoxide and ozone in the
air and meet federal air quality health standards. Vehicles with excess
emissions are required to be repaired.

 

The motorcycle study and exemption request are the result of 2008 State
of Arizona legislation that allows the exemption with EPA approval. For
the exemption to take effect, EPA will have to approve it by July 1,
2010. For now, Phoenix motorcycles will still need to be tested.  ADEQ
has been and will continue working closely with EPA officials to help
expedite the approval process.

 

Last year, ADEQ's VEI program diagnosed more than 150,000 vehicles as in
violation of Arizona's clean air standards. They were repaired and
returned to Arizona roadways within those standards. Motorcycle owners
and other interested parties can view the study and request at the ADEQ
records center at 1110 W. Washington Street in Phoenix.

 

-30-

 

"News media interested in additional information on this or any other
topic concerning the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality should
contact the Office of Communications at (602) 771-2215 or via email at
ms15@azdeq.gov."

 

	
	
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