Emission testing has historically been a state issue, decided by state legislatures, maybe along with some arm-twisting by the EPA behind the scenes. Two large factors that influence a state's decision to start an emission testing program, or to extend the inclusion of vehicles, are cash flow to the state's coffer, and legislative control. Clean air, clean water and public safety are the public face of these efforts, and are the means of manipulating public opinion to support (or at least tolerate) such programs, but they are no longer the primary factor to justify these programs. The test standards for these programs are routinely changed to accomodate the opinion of whatever air-quality board has authority over the program- that authority is often invisible to public view. Not unavailable for scrutiny, just obscure enough to avoid bringing attention.
The next big push to watch for is safety inspections. Watch for the next big tire recall, or brake or steering system failure to make the national news to be followed by calls for safety inspections.
Harvester
