California can keep using old car emissions tests to meet new air quality goals

US environmental regulators are proposing to approve California's plan to meet 1997 ozone standards in the San Joaquin Valley. This means California can continue using its existing Smog Check program as a contingency measure, rather than adopting new emissions reduction strategies.

This decision allows California to avoid implementing additional, potentially stricter, emissions controls in a region known for poor air quality. It effectively lets the state rely on an older, less stringent measure to satisfy current environmental obligations. This could slow down efforts to improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley, as the state is not forced to adopt new, more effective measures.