AZ Dept of Environmental Quality (AZDEQ) Emissions Testing Update.

Last week we reported on HB2501 that required the AZDEQ to conduct a study and with those results request that the U.S. EPA approve and exemption from emissions testing. A hearing on that matter was held on Wednesday, April 16. It was well attended and various motorcycling interests were represented by ABATE, AMA and others.

According to AZDEQ personnel who were present at the meeting and discussed this matter, Arizona motorcyclists may be the last vestiges of emissions testing in the nation. Apparently all of 49 states have removed emissions testing or have initiatives in place to remove emissions testing.

That being the case, it can be expected that the AZDEQ will request approval from the EPA to exempt motorcycles from emissions testing and have that process complete by the end of 2003. Then it will require an act of the AZ legislature to specifically exempt motorcycles and that is likely to be on the 2004 agenda of the House of Representatives who originally sponsored and passed the bill. It is possible that the necessary bill could be passed and placed into effect sometime during 2004 but in any event it should definitely be in place in 2005.

Besides the emissions testing this will also enable motorcycles to be registered for periods of one or two years; two year registration has been in effect for motorcycles of 1998 and newer vintage.

We will continue to monitor this activity and as soon as it is possible for the House or Senate to act on the exemption we will notify you so that you might contact your local Representative or Senator and urge them to move hastily in passing the necessary legislation for passing the exemption.

Please feel free to send us legislative comments, inquiries, concerns, or issues that you feel might infringe upon the rights and freedom of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout Arizona and we will spread the word and act upon them on your behalf.

Stan
sjd3@cox.net