EPA Greenlights NC Ditching Car Inspections in 19 Counties
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
North Carolina wants to stop its vehicle inspection and maintenance program in 19 counties, and the EPA is ready to approve this change because it won’t hurt air quality goals. This means fewer car checkups for drivers in those areas, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 8, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
I/M Program Removed in 19 Counties
North Carolina submitted a SIP revision on October 1, 2024 asking to remove the State's vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program from the SIP for 19 counties (Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Randolph, Rowan, Union, and Wake). EPA is proposing to approve that removal because it finds the change will not interfere with air quality obligations; drivers in those listed counties would no longer be covered by the SIP I/M requirement, and the notice states no extra costs or delays are expected.
When the Removal Becomes Effective
Under North Carolina Session Law 2023-134, Sections 12.7(a) and (b) (which implement the county changes) become effective on the first day of a month that is 60 days after the Secretary of the Division of Environmental Quality certifies that EPA has approved the October 1, 2024 SIP revision. The legal change applies to motor vehicles inspected, or due to be inspected, on or after that effective date.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09144 — Updates to Waiver of Charges for Copayments
The VA is canceling a plan to change how veterans can get copayment fees waived because it’s no longer needed. Veterans who owed copayments from past medical care are already getting over $272 million in debt relief. This update means no new rules or forms will be required, and the change takes effect immediately as of May 8, 2026.
Next: 2026-09154 — Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act
The ATF wants to let married couples register certain firearms together under the National Firearms Act. This means spouses can share ownership without needing extra paperwork when transferring guns between them. If you’re married and deal with these firearms, you can comment on this change by July 7, 2026, and it could save you time and hassle in the future.