In regard to the Jan. 3 “Emissions Testing,” there are a few important points that must be considered. First is air quality — something that has been front and center for many people in the Pittsburgh region, as air quality woes have been exacerbated by recent weather. Transportation — that is, cars — is a major source of air pollution, and first and foremost it’s important that any changes don’t make air quality in the region worse.

Second is the process to ensure that any actions are protective of public health and ultimately legal. That’s why the study requested by the House Transportation Committee, is so important. Rather than a roadblock, it is the pathway to a resolution – one that will meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and the Air Pollution Control Act. And it is an important part of the process to ensure that modernizing these regulations does not come at the expense of the air we breathe.

JESSICA SHIRLEY
Policy Director
Department of Environmental Protection
Harrisburg

First Published: January 9, 2020, 5:00 a.m.