SOME MOTORCYCLES TO BE EXEMPT FROM EMISSIONS TESTING

Last November we reported that a concerted effort by a host of motorcycle enthusiasts and organizations like ABATE, AMA, and other interested parties had raised the possibility that Arizona motorcycles should be exempt from emissions testing in the not too distant future. We are pleased to report a partial victory in that effort.

Working in concert with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) the collaborative effort of these individuals and groups was successful in getting the House Environmental Committee to unanimously endorse HB2357 which will exempt motorcycles registered in Pima County from having to pass emissions testing as part of the registration and renewal process.

It is expect that the Senate will likely follows suit and later this year the respective bills will pass both houses of the Arizona legislature.

Maricopa Country failed to meet the acceptable standards for exclusion of emissions testing. However dissection of the study has been conducted by Steve Coomer and his analysis shows the ADEQ findings to be erroneous for the Maricopa motorcycle study results. The matter is being revisited and we are optimistic that Maricopa will enjoy exception status in the not too distant future.
According to Steve, "Arizona is the only state still testing motorcycles as most other states have accepted the fact that motorcycles represent a mere 1/3 of 1% (0.3%) of total HC emissions in the United States. Within Arizona, motorcycles represent 0.216% (0.002157) of the mobile emissions sources. In Maricopa County, motorcycles make-up 1.9% of the mobile fleet and contribute less than 1/2 of 1% (0.00457) of the total mobile emissions." This was stated in his letter to the Arizona Senate.
This is an excellent example of how diverse motorcycling interests can work together towards initiatives and legislative actions that make sense and prove to be beneficial to all concerned.
We will stay on top of this and other initiatives and keep you informed on the results. As always, if you come across some legislation or initiative that might impact motorcycling in AZ please let us know and we will pursue, investigate and report our findings.

Stan Dale
Legislative Liason For Cyclerides.com