ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
REVISED
water quality monitoring;
information access
(NOW: emissions inspection; modifications and
exemptions)
Eliminates the transient emissions testing requirement for constant four-wheel drive vehicles, 1981 and newer in Area A, and authorizes the use of an on-board diagnostic check for emissions testing in Area B (Pima County).
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the purpose of the on-board diagnostic system (OBD) is to assure proper emission control system operation for the vehicle’s lifetime by monitoring emission-related components and systems for deterioration and malfunction. OBD can also detect problems that may not be noticeable upon visual inspection because many component failures that impact emissions can be electrical or even chemical in nature. OBD is available on 1996 and newer vehicles. Through the evolution of this technology, an on-board diagnostic check will be able to test whether a vehicle complies with emissions standards, thus possibly eliminating the need for the current tail-pipe method of emissions testing for vehicles. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), OBD emissions testing is more efficient and less labor intensive than the current emissions testing practice. In 2000, legislation was enacted that authorized the use of OBD for testing purposes in Area A (Maricopa County primarily) and for data gathering purposes in Area B (Laws 2000, Chapter 404). H.B. 2070 extends the OBD testing authority to Area B.
Constant four-wheel drive
vehicles are those vehicles manufactured in which all four wheels power the
vehicle continually. This manufacturing
mechanism cannot be turned off, thus allowing the vehicle to operate in a
traditional two-wheel drive fashion.
Two examples of constant four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles
manufactured in model year 2001 are the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and the
Toyota Land Cruiser. These types of
all-wheel drive vehicles require that emissions inspection stations in Arizona
be equipped with dual dynamometers in order to test the vehicle because both
the front and rear wheels must be able to rotate in order for the vehicle to be
tested. Legislation enacted in 1998 and amended in 1999 requires the transient
emissions testing of newer model constant four-wheel drive vehicles starting on
January 1, 2002, when the new vehicle emissions inspection (VEI) program takes
effect (Laws 1998, Chapter 217 and Laws 1999, Chapter 298).
According to ADEQ, the
elimination of the emissions testing requirement for constant four-wheel drive
vehicles will reduce the cost of emissions testing for drivers who are subject
to testing in Area A by thirty-two cents per test when the new VEI program
contract begins on January 1, 2002.
1. Provides that on-board diagnostic checks are an option for vehicle emissions testing compliance in Area B.
2. Repeals the requirement that constant four-wheel drive vehicles that are not diesel powered and that were manufactured in or after model year 1981 be subject to a transient loaded emissions test.
3. Excludes Pinal County from the Area A vehicle emissions testing requirements if construction is not started on a vehicle emissions testing station in Apache Junction on or before June 1, 2004.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Provides for a general effective date.
Amendments
Adopted by Committee
The strike everything amendment was adopted.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
Excludes Pinal County from the Area A vehicle emissions testing requirements if construction is not started on a vehicle emissions testing station in Apache Junction on or before June 1, 2004.
Senate Action
NRAE 4/5/01 DPA/SE 8-0-0-0
3rd
Read 4/19/01 30-0-0-0
Prepared
by Senate Staff
April
20, 2001