GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

S	1 

SENATE BILL 845

Short Title:  Study Need to Expand I & M Program.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Senator  Odom.

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Referred to:  Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources.

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April 15, 1997

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO DIRECT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AND THE DIVISION OF AIR QUALITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO JOINTLY STUDY THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF EXPANDING THE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE CURRENT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Environmental Management Commission and the Division of Air Quality of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources shall jointly evaluate the costs and benefits of expanding the inspection and maintenance program for motor vehicles under Article 3A of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes to all metropolitan counties in order to reduce the likelihood in the future of those counties not maintaining the national ambient air quality standards for ozone and carbon monoxide, thereby encountering restrictions on industries, power plants, vehicles, and other activities in nonattainment counties.  Beginning January 1, 1998, the Environmental Management Commission shall provide reports on the findings, recommendations, and any legislative proposals to the Environmental Review Commission as part of its quarterly report to that Commission.
Section 2.  The Environmental Management Commission and the Division of Air Quality of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources jointly shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the current inspection and maintenance program for motor vehicles under Article 3A of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is effectively implemented and enforced. The Environmental Management Commission shall report its findings and recommendations under this section in the same manner and according to the same report schedule set forth under Section 1 of this act.
Section 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.