(The Center Square) – A group of Wisconsin lawmakers are asking their federal counterparts to reverse part of the Clean Air Act that allows for vehicle emissions testing in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha counties.
The group cited advanced technology and a low failure rate of 3.1% and 3.0% in 2021 and 2022 for a program the lawmakers say cost residents $271.4 million from when it started in 1984 through the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The program is funded by a 1 cent-per-gallon petroleum tax.
The letter was signed by Republican Reps. Bob Donovan, Scott Allen, Lindee Bill, Cindi Duchow, Barbara Dittrich, Rick Gundrum, Dan Knodl, Dave Maxey, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, Jim Piwowarczyk, Chuck Wichgers, Robert Wittke and Paul Melotik along with Sens. Van Wanggaard, Julian Bradley, Rob Hutton and Chris Kapenga.
“The Wisconsin Legislature has previously considered measures to limit or terminate the program, reflecting local frustrations with its diminishing returns,” the letter said. “Repealing the mandate for inspection programs in nonattainment areas would represent an extraordinary step by Congress, and we realize the significance of this request.
“However, we believe that the continuance of this program will not significantly improve air quality and reduce emissions, but instead continue to tax Wisconsinites for a program that has outlived its usefulness.
The vehicle emissions testing in seven Wisconsin counties taxes Wisconsinites, despite vehicle improvements rendering the program obsolete.My colleagues and I in the State Legislature sent a letter to Congress urging action.Read our full letter: pic.twitter.com/OCMHRJSRN6— Rep. Bob Donovan (@RepDonovan) December 2, 2025
Kapenga sponsored a 2017 bill to end the emissions testing requirements but the bill failed in committee.
