SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is pushing a measure to restore vehicle emissions testing in the city of Chicago.
In 2016, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shut down four vehicle emissions sites in the city of Chicago. Since then, there has been a high demand to restore these testing stations.
“Residents have been calling our office asking why a city with a population of 2.8 million doesn’t have one emissions testing station in Chicago,” stated Feigenholtz.
Under Feigenholtz’s measure, the Illinois EPA will report to the General Assembly by October 1, 2022 on a plan to restore emissions testing sites, to include information on the possible locations of the testing stations within the City of Chicago, information on possible programs implemented in other states, and a projected date for full operation of all stations to restore the closed sites.
This initiative has support among colleagues and the Illinois Environmental Council.
“I understand the importance of testing vehicle emissions but they must be more accessible,” said Feigenholtz. “I hope this measure creates a valid plan to bring back these basic services to the people of Chicago.”
SB 2316 passed the Executive Committee and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
