
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 20, 1995                   TAG: 9501200101
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                                LENGTH: Short

EMISSIONS TESTS REQUIRED ON HAMPTON ROADS CARS

Worsening air pollution has prompted federal environmental regulators to require emissions tests for Hampton Roads cars and stricter pollution controls for businesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency said drivers will have to take their cars in every two years to have emissions systems checked. Gas station owners will have to install nozzles to keep gas fumes from escaping, a cost likely to show up in slightly higher gas prices.

The provisions probably won't take effect until next year.

The region is already using cleaner-burning gasoline that federal officials normally require when they impose these regulations.

The specifics of any system in Hampton Roads are months away, but similar emissions tests elsewhere usually cost about $10, said Dwight Farmer, director of transportation for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. If problems are found, car owners would have to spend up to $50 to reduce emissions.

Local officials plan to protest the EPA decision, which they say will cost millions of dollars and could lead to only minor improvements in air quality.

Because the region is taking steps to dramatically cut air pollution levels, it shouldn't be penalized with costly regulations, said Arthur Collins, executive director of the planning district.

EPA officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday. They announced their decision in Tuesday's Federal Register, a laundry list of new regulations.

Hampton Roads officials have until Feb. 16 to comment.

by CNB