FOR CAUCUS & FLOOR ACTION
REVISED
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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF
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GARTH KAMP LEGISLATIVE
INTERN SUSAN ANABLE RESEARCH
STAFF DIRECTOR NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Telephone: (602) 542-3171 Facsimile: (602) 542-7833 |
DATE: April 4, 2001
SUBJECT: Guenther Strike
Everything Amendment to H.B. 2490 (appropriation; flood control), dated 4/3/01,
2:50 p.m., relating to vehicle testing station; area A
Purpose
Exempts Pinal County from Area A (Maricopa County primarily) if construction on an emissions testing station in Apache Junction is not started on or before June 1, 2004. Establishes a study committee to study the locations and costs of existing vehicle emissions testing stations and issues relating to the need for new testing stations.
Background
Areas of the country that do not attain air quality standards for certain pollutants under the Federal Clean Air Act are designated as nonattainment areas. Within those areas, air quality control measures must be adopted and enforced by state and local jurisdictions as part of a state implementation plan. The goal of these plans is to allow the area to demonstrate attainment of the air quality standards for the pollutant(s) for which the area was designated as a nonattainment area.
The metropolitan Phoenix area and surrounding valley (most of Maricopa County) is a designated nonattainment area for three pollutants: carbon monoxide, ozone and particulates. Generally, for regulatory purposes, this area is defined as Area A.
As a result of the recommendations of the Governors’ Air Quality Strategies Task Force, which was convened in both 1996 and 1997, legislation was enacted in 1998 that expanded the boundaries of Area A to developing areas to the north, west and east. The eastern expansion included the Pinal County portion of Apache Junction and developing areas just to the east (Laws 1998, Chapter 217). Enforcement of certain regulatory provisions in effect for Area A, such as the vehicle emissions inspection program, were delayed until January 1, 2001 in order to allow the area of expansion to gear up to comply with these regulatory requirements.
On January 1, 2001, residents of the expanded Area A were subject to the vehicle emissions inspection program. Residents of Pinal County affected by this inclusion are concerned about the lack of an emissions testing station in Apache Junction, which forces them to make a long drive to get the required emissions test. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), vehicle owners in Apache Junction have to commute approximately 12.5 miles to the nearest inspection station located in Mesa to get their emissions testing done.
The strike everything amendment to H.B. 2490 removes Pinal County from Area A if construction on an emissions testing station is not begun by June 1, 2004. The amendment does not address how this station will be paid for.
Provisions
1. Provides that if an emissions testing station is not under construction in Apache Junction by June 1, 2004, Pinal County shall be removed from the boundaries of Area A.
2. Contains a conditional delayed effective date.
Amendments
Adopted by Committee
1. The strike everything amendment was adopted.
2. Establishes an eleven member study committee to study the location and costs of existing vehicle emissions testing stations and issues relating to the need for new testing stations. The Committee is compromised of :
· Three Senators and three Representatives, with only two being from the same political party, appointed by their respective leadership.
· The director of ADEQ or the directors designee.
· Four members of the public, two selected by the President of the Senate, two by the Speaker of the House.
4. Requires the Committee to report its recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor by December 15, 2001.
Senate Action
NRAE 4/5/01 DPA/SE 8-0-0
GK/SA/ac