Delaware's Car Checks Get EPA Green Light for Cleaner Air
Published Date: 9/25/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Delaware’s plan to check car emissions in New Castle County. This means cars there will get regular emissions tests to help clean up the air and meet national ozone standards. Drivers and local officials should get ready for these changes, which aim to keep our air fresh without extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Program aims to meet ozone air quality standard
The EPA approved Delaware's SIP revision for a Basic vehicle I/M program for the Delaware portion of the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City nonattainment area (New Castle County) to help meet the 2015 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards. The program is intended to reduce vehicle emissions in that area to improve compliance with the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
New Castle County vehicle emissions testing
If you drive in New Castle County (Delaware), Delaware has enacted a Basic vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) program and the EPA approved the State Implementation Plan revision that puts that program into place. This means vehicles in New Castle County will be covered by regular emissions inspections under the approved I/M program.
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