North Carolina can stop checking car emissions in 19 counties

The US environmental regulators are proposing to let North Carolina stop its vehicle emissions inspection program in 19 counties. This means fewer cars will be checked for pollution in those areas.

For decades, vehicle inspection programs were a key tool for cities to meet clean air standards. This proposal suggests that some areas have improved air quality enough that these checks are no longer considered necessary by federal regulators. It could set a precedent for other states to reduce or eliminate similar programs if they can show their air quality has improved.