Grothman's State Emissions Authority Act Considered in House Energy and Commerce Committee

Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) State Emissions Authority Act , legislation to remove burdensome federal vehicle emissions testing requirements and restore state authority, was considered by the House Energy and Commerce’s Environment Subcommittee today. For decades, the Clean Air Act has required certain states to operate vehicle emissions testing programs under federal mandates based on standards developed long before modern advances in vehicle technology. Grothman's legislation would give states greater flexibility by eliminating these Clean Air Act requirements, which impose unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on drivers, businesses, and state governments. "Federal emissions testing mandates were enacted decades ago to address challenges that have since been addressed through technological innovation and cleaner vehicles," said Congressman Grothman. "Yet, federal law continues to require many states, including Wisconsin, to maintain costly testing programs that place unnecessary burdens on drivers and businesses. My bill restores flexibility to the states, reduces unnecessary costs, and updates federal law to reflect the realities of today's vehicles. I am pleased to see the Energy and Commerce Committee consider this legislation." “The State Emissions Authority Act is a timely update to current federal requirements. It empowers states, aligns with modern vehicle technology, and reduces unnecessary costs for drivers and businesses.” – Debbie Sparks, Executive Director of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association "The State Emissions Authority Act restores a basic principle: states, not Washington, should decide whether vehicle emissions-testing programs make sense for their residents. These federal mandates impose real costs on families, small businesses, and state governments, even as vehicle technology has changed and states are fully capable of making these decisions for themselves. This bill ends the one-size-fits-all federal requirement and returns that authority to the states.” - Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute “States are spending much-needed taxpayer dollars on vehicle inspection programs that are often a waste of time and money. Cars rarely fail the emissions tests. The federal government should stop forcing these inspection requirements onto states. Let states decide if such programs make sense. And make no mistake, states have every reason to figure out how best to meet the stringent federal air quality standards. If inspections make sense, then states will keep them. If not, then states can identify better and different ways to improve air quality. The State Emissions Authority Act addresses this one-size-fits-all and outdated federal mandate.” - Daren Bakst, Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Director of the Center for Energy and Environment “As air quality continues to improve across the country, allowing states more flexibility to meet ambient air quality standards is appropriate and acknowledges that new vehicle technologies will continue to provide lasting air quality benefits.” – The American Trucking Association Background Information Congressman Grothman introduced the State Emissions Authority Act to amend the Clean Air Act and eliminate federal mandates requiring states to operate vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, commonly known as emissions testing. These requirements were established in the 1970s and 1990s, before major improvements in vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, and modern emissions-control systems. As vehicle emissions have declined significantly over the past several decades, many states and drivers continue to face the costs and inconveniences associated with federally mandated testing programs. The State Emissions Authority Act would: Eliminate federal facility compliance requirements tied to state inspection programs. Remove Clean Air Act provisions requiring vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in ozone nonattainment areas. Repeal statutory language requiring inspection programs within the Ozone Transport Region. The legislation is supported by the America First Policy Institute, American Trucking Associations, Competitive Enterprise Institute, National Motor Freight Traffic Association, and Truckload Carriers Association. The State Emissions Authority Act was highlighted by the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee on June 3, 2026. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.