San Antonio's Car Emissions Plan Gets EPA Thumbs Up
Published Date: 4/8/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Texas’ new plan for checking car emissions in Bexar County, including San Antonio. This means drivers there will follow updated vehicle inspection rules to help clean the air, and the EPA won’t need to step in with a federal plan anymore. The changes kick in soon and aim to keep our skies clearer without extra costs for folks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Texas I/M Program Approved for San Antonio
The EPA approved revisions to Texas’ State Implementation Plan submitted on December 18, 2023, that establish a Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program for the San Antonio ozone nonattainment area (Bexar County). This final action also ends the EPA’s requirement to issue a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for a Basic I/M program in that area.
New Proof-of-Compliance Registration Options
The approved SIP revisions update definitions and address options for displaying a vehicle’s registration as proof of compliance with I/M requirements. If you drive in the San Antonio ozone nonattainment area, these revisions change how registration can be used to show you meet inspection rules.
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