Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994 TAG: 9406050039
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Robert Martinez said Virginia will do whatever it takes to avoid a shutdown of future Northern Virginia road projects, including $132 million in road improvements for the planned Disney's America theme park in Prince William County.
The EPA last week threatened to halt the planned projects if the state doesn't submit a suitable plan for car emissions tests in 30 days.
Martinez said the state will avoid federal punishment even if it means agreeing to the EPA's demand to use a different car-testing method.
Local garages now do emissions tests and the needed repairs. But the EPA says Virginia must switch to a program where testing is done at one site and repairs at another.
The EPA says test-and-repair programs at local garages aren't as effective in cutting air pollution because some mechanics overlook pollution problems to keep regular customers happy.
The administration of former Gov. Douglas Wilder pledged to start the "test-only" plan in 1995. But Gov. George Allen changed the plan and said local garages would continue doing tests and repairs.
Administration officials said Virginia initially will propose the test-and-repair plan, despite EPA's misgivings, within the 30-day deadline.
Martinez indicated state officials will revise the proposed system if EPA rejects the initial proposal.
EPA Region III administrator Peter Kostmayer welcomed Martinez's remarks.
"That's good news," Kostmayer said. A test-only system "would not impose a hardship on Virginia but will bring Virginia into compliance" with the federal Clean Air Act.
The EPA gave Virginia the 30-day ultimatum because the state broke its promise on how it would cut air pollution, then gave no sign of changing course, Kostmayer said.
by CNB