Beginning July 1, vehicles registered in Franklin County, Mo., will no longer need an emissions test, according to a press release from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The Department of Natural Resources is contacting emissions testing stations in Franklin County and is coordinating with partner agencies to ensure everyone affected is aware of the new exemption. The requirement for vehicles registered in Franklin County to pass an emissions test will apply until the exemption takes effect July 1.
The exemption does not impact any of the other counties subject to the requirement. Emissions testing requirements remain in place for vehicles registered in Jefferson County, St. Charles County, St. Louis County and St. Louis City. Further details regarding the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program and this new exemption for Franklin County are available at dnrservices.mo.gov/gatewayvip/.
"The action comes after years of effort by the department, regulated facilities and citizens working together to reduce air emissions," according to the release. "Over the past 20 years, ground-level ozone concentrations in the St. Louis region have steadily declined, making it possible to pursue the removal of these mandated requirements."
In 2019, the department submitted a formal request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to end the testing requirements in Franklin County. Documentation provided with that request demonstrated that removing the requirements will not jeopardize air quality, particularly in meeting the federal outdoor air quality standard for ground-level ozone. Because of federal motor vehicle regulations and normal fleet turnover in the region, air pollution from motor vehicles will continue to decline in Franklin County, even in the absence of the emission testing requirements, the documentation shows. With the recent adoption of the regulatory requirements, EPA is proceeding with its formal approval.
“Today’s announcement provides relief to citizens and working families in Franklin County that will save them time and put money back in their pockets,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Missouri will continue our balanced approach to protect our environment and natural resources without overburdening our businesses and citizens.”
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission adopted an amendment to the state regulation in January. Since then, the Department of Natural Resources has been working with the Department of Revenue and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Driver and Vehicle Safety Division in preparation for removal of emission inspection requirements in Franklin County.
Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources, said he is pleased the “regulatory burden for vehicle owners in Franklin County" had been lifted.
“We will continue to evaluate and pursue opportunities to remove burdens on our citizens where it will not jeopardize the environmental improvements we have achieved.”
For more information, contact the department’s Air Pollution Control Program at [email protected].
