Air Plan Approval; NC; Removal of the State’s Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
Key claim: EPA proposes to approve North Carolina’s removal of its vehicle inspection and maintenance program from the State Implementation Plan, finding it will not interfere with Clean Air Act attainment requirements.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of North Carolina, through the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (NCDAQ), on October 1, 2024. The revision seeks to remove North Carolina’s vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program from North Carolina’s SIP which covers 19 counties. EPA is proposing to approve this change as it will not interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress or any other applicable requirement of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Why this matters
State removal of vehicle I/M programs shifts a long-standing mobile-source control tool out of the SIP toolbox, relying on federal vehicle standards and fleet turnover to maintain air quality. The action affects driver compliance costs and state administrative burden, and sets a template other states may follow if EPA finalizes the non-interference finding.