The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to North Carolina’s request to end vehicle emissions testing in most counties where it’s currently required — a move supporters say will save drivers money, but one environmental groups warn could worsen air pollution in fast-growing urban areas.
Under the proposal, drivers in Wake, Durham, Johnston and 16 other counties would no longer need annual emissions inspections when renewing their vehicle registration. Safety inspections would still be required statewide.
The EPA announced Monday it plans to approve North Carolina’s request to remove the emissions-testing requirement because the state has consistently met federal air-quality standards in recent years.
According to the agency, eliminating the program would save North Carolina drivers nearly $20 million a year without significantly harming air quality.
“EPA is committed to eliminating unnecessary burdens to make testing more convenient and affordable for drivers while ensuring clean air for all Americans,” EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber said in a statement.
North Carolina regulators first asked the EPA to end the testing requirement nearly two years ago. State officials argued modern vehicles are significantly cleaner and more reliable than older models, reducing the need for annual inspections.
Vehicles more than 20 years old are already exempt from emissions testing in North Carolina, along with light-duty vehicles less than three years old that have fewer than 70,000 miles.
The emissions test currently applies to 1996 and newer gasoline-powered vehicles in 19 counties, primarily in the Triangle, Charlotte and Triad regions.
State air-quality officials say North Carolina has met federal ozone pollution standards for the past decade, despite continued population growth.
Environmental advocates, however, argue vehicle pollution remains a major contributor to ozone formation and respiratory health problems.
Several environmental organizations opposed ending the program when it was proposed in 2024, arguing emissions testing still helps reduce harmful pollutants linked to asthma, cardiovascular disease and smog.
Transportation emissions remain one of the largest sources of ozone-forming pollution in North Carolina, according to state and federal environmental data. Environmental groups also note that while emissions per vehicle have declined over time, the number of cars on the road and miles traveled continue to rise as the state grows.
The proposal would not eliminate annual safety inspections. Drivers across all 100 North Carolina counties would still need a yearly safety inspection to renew their registration.
A standard safety inspection costs $13.60, while the combined safety and emissions inspection currently costs $30.
The EPA will accept public comments over the next 30 days before making a final decision.