Wisconsin lawmakers seek end of vehicle inspection mandate

MADISON — Rep. Bob Donovan is leading a group of Wisconsin lawmakers calling on the state’s congressional delegation to repeal the federal mandate that requires vehicle emission inspections in seven southeastern counties.

The request came in a Dec. 2 letter signed by more than a dozen legislators. They argued that the inspection and maintenance program, in place since 1984, has outlasted its purpose and has become an unnecessary financial burden.

“We write today to urge our federal delegation to introduce and support legislation repealing the vehicle inspection and maintenance program requirements under the Clean Air Act,” the lawmakers said. “The vehicle inspection and maintenance program is no longer useful due to the economic burdens on citizens and technological advancements reducing the need for testing.”

The letter highlighted the program’s long-term cost, noting that “Wisconsin taxpayers have shouldered substantial costs for this program, which has amounted to approximately $271.4 million by fiscal year 2023–2024.” It also pointed out that many residents are unaware of the “one-cent-per-gallon tax on petroleum products that funds this program.”

Lawmakers cited sharply declining failure rates as modern vehicles become cleaner and more efficient. “With less than 1% of modern vehicles failing inspection, statistical improvements are negligible, rendering blanket testing largely unnecessary for maintaining air quality standards,” they wrote.

The letter closes by acknowledging the unusual nature of the request but arguing that the long-standing mandate no longer improves air quality in any meaningful way. “We believe that the continuance of this program will not significantly improve air quality and reduce emissions, but instead continue to tax Wisconsinites for a program that has outlived its usefulness.”

The letter was signed by: