Putting the Brakes on Automobile Air Pollution
Earlier this year, our state lawmakers voted to eliminate mandatory vehicle emissions testing. I get it, nobody wants to pay the fee to bring their car in to get inspected, and it always seems like there’s some extra charge you didn’t budget for when you pick it up. In fact, initially, I thought this change might be a good thing for the working people of our state. It wasn’t until I had a robust conversation with a former State Rep candidate in Wolfeboro that I realized just how strong the link was between air quality and vehicle emissions in NH.
Now I know this is a bad policy that will harm our New Hampshire communities. Let me explain.
First, this decision puts New Hampshire out of step with federal Clean Air Act requirements and threatens our eligibility for essential federal highway funding. We all know our state runs a tight budget. In risking our compliance with the federal Clean Air Act, our state has created an opportunity for Washington to pull back funding that our state urgently needs to maintain our roadways and infrastructure.
This change also has the potential to make New Hampshire’s air quality much worse. Vehicle emissions are already the single largest source of air pollutants in our state. Harmful byproducts like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and smog-forming chemicals don’t just linger in the air — they contribute to asthma, heart disease, and a host of other serious health problems, disproportionately impacting vulnerable children, seniors, and communities of color.
Eliminating emissions testing risks a return to the “bad-old-days” of dirty air, even if it isn’t immediately obvious. Without regular checks, older vehicles with malfunctioning pollution controls can continue emitting dangerous chemicals for years. Over time, this can seriously degrade our air quality and endanger public health.
There’s a better way.
Federal laws like the Clean Air Act have driven major improvements by setting tough vehicle emissions standards, encouraging cleaner technologies, and holding states accountable. Real progress depends on electing leaders who will stand up for these protections.
When I get to Washington, I will:
fight to defend and strengthen our air quality and emissions standards,
advocate for policies that address the public health problems stemming from air pollution,
hold auto companies accountable,
and keep the public informed.
Let's stand together for clean air, climate action, and healthier communities.
Join us today and help ensure that every New Hampshire resident breathes clean, healthy air.
