Rule-Making Notices (Hearing Notices)

This proposed rule eliminates the previously-established idle and transient tailpipe testing methods, and the emission equipment inspection, leaving only the OBD II method. This amendment repeals references in the rule related to these now eliminated testing methods.

In addition, this proposed rule eliminates the evaporative emission test (“gas cap test"), which was previously required but is no longer necessary with OBD II technology.

The proposed rule clarifies that to obtain a waiver of compliance on the basis of statutory repair cost limit, the vehicle must pass a waiver emission equipment inspection.

Under law, emission testing is required based on where a vehicle is customarily kept, as stated by the vehicle owner or lessee. This proposed rule makes clear that the Department may determine whether a vehicle domicile as stated is consistent with the vehicle owner or lessee address or other information. The purpose is to deter statement that the vehicle is not customarily kept in the emission area in order to avoid the emission test requirement.

Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulations

The vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program exists to comply with federal law and regulations under the Clean Air Act and amendments. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established the inspection and maintenance program as one of several measures to reduce air pollution. DNR has received approval from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for all Wisconsin's air pollution reduction measures. The program change enacted in 2007 Wisconsin Act 20 and in this rule amendment has been approved by USEPA, and this proposed rule conforms to federal regulations.

Comparison with rules in adjacent states

Michigan: Michigan has no vehicle inspection and maintenance program, and consequently no rules addressing such.

Minnesota: Minnesota has no vehicle inspection and maintenance program, and consequently no rules addressing such. State rules prohibit motorists from:

•   Permitting vehicles to emit visible air contaminants for more than 10 consecutive seconds (non-diesel cycle engines) or more than 20 consecutive seconds (diesel cycle engines), and

•   Removing, altering, or otherwise rending inoperative any vehicle air pollution control system.

Illinois: Emissions testing is prescribed under the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law [625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/13C (2005)]. The Inspection Law requires biennial inspection of 1996 and newer model year light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles. Diesel-powered vehicles, motorcycles and other specified vehicle/registration types are exempt from inspection. Vehicles do not require inspection until they are four model years old.

Per the Inspection Law, the emissions test(s) to be performed on each vehicle consists of one of the following alternatives:

1.   On-board diagnostics test.

2.   Idle exhaust and gas cap pressure test.

The former applies to all OBD II-equipped vehicles; the latter to remaining testable vehicles.

Iowa: Iowa has no vehicle inspection and maintenance program, and consequently no rules addressing such.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies

The program change enacted in 2007 Wis. Act 20 and in this proposed rule results from a joint study by the Wisconsin DNR and DOT. The agencies studied the age of the Wisconsin vehicle fleet, the existence and efficacy of OBD II technology on vehicles, and the costs and benefits of various methods of emission testing. The agencies concluded that sufficient numbers of newer model year vehicles, equipped with OBD II technology, now exist in the vehicle fleet that it is cost-effective to eliminate testing of older vehicles and eliminate tailpipe testing, and the overall air pollution reduction level is maintained.

Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small businesses

In establishing the new emission program design, DOT and DNR studied the age of the Wisconsin vehicle fleet. The agencies have determined that most vehicles in the fleet are within the 1996-current model year range, and that older vehicles have largely been removed from the fleet. The likelihood is that small businesses own newer vehicles, equipped with OBD II technology. As a result, while more vehicles are made subject to emission testing under the new law, the cost per vehicle to comply should be reduced. To the extent that small businesses still own older vehicles, those vehicles are no longer subject to testing and repair.

Effect on small business

Section 285.30, Stats., as amended by 2007 Wis. Act 20, eliminates the testing requirement for vehicles model year before 1996. To the extent that small businesses own older vehicles, the law eliminates the need for those vehicles to be tested. The law also requires diesel-powered vehicles of model year 2007 and newer, and vehicles model year 2007 and newer up to 14,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating to undergo OBD II emission testing. On the other hand, these vehicles are manufactured with OBD II equipment and software, and maintaining the vehicles' emission systems is a reasonable expectation, and thus not unduly burdensome. The statute provides for enforcement of emission testing through vehicle registration denial. The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by e-mail at [e-mail], or by calling [phone].

Fiscal effect

Section 285.30, Stats., as amended by 2007 Wis. Act 20, eliminates the testing requirement for vehicles model year before 1996. To the extent that local governments own older vehicles, the law eliminates the need for those vehicles to be tested and repaired. The law also requires diesel-powered vehicles of model year 2007 and newer, and vehicles model year 2007 and newer up to 14,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating to undergo OBD II emission testing. On the other hand, these vehicles are manufactured with OBD II equipment and software, and maintaining the vehicles' emission systems is a reasonable expectation, and thus not unduly burdensome. The statute provides for enforcement of emission testing through vehicle registration denial.

Anticipated costs incurred by private sector

Section 285.30, Stats., as amended by 2007 Wis. Act 20, eliminates the testing requirement for vehicles model year before 1996. To the extent that state or private sector entities own older vehicles, the law eliminates the need for those vehicles to be tested and repaired. The law also requires diesel-powered vehicles of model year 2007 and newer, and vehicles model year 2007 and newer up to 14,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating to undergo OBD II emission testing. On the other hand, these vehicles are manufactured with OBD II equipment and software, and maintaining the vehicles' emission systems is a reasonable expectation, and thus not unduly burdensome. The statute provides for enforcement of emission testing through vehicle registration denial.

Agency contact person and place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission

The public record on this proposed rule making will be held open until close of business the day of the hearing, 2007, to permit the submission of comments in lieu of public hearing testimony or comments supplementing testimony offered at the hearing. Any such comments should be submitted to Steve Hirshfeld, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Vehicle Services, Room 253, P. O. Box 7909, Madison, WI 53707-7909. You may also contact Steve Hirshfeld by phone at [phone] or via e-mail: [e-mail].

To view the proposed amendments to the rule, view the current rule, and submit written comments via e-mail/internet, you may visit the following website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/research/law/rulenotices.htm.