New York may start heavy truck emissions tests

New York—New York Gov. George Pataki has announced he intends to propose the state begin requiring heavy trucks and buses to undergo emissions testing, reports Newsday. Currently, such vehicles are not required to do so and proponents say such efforts could be a big boost to clean-air efforts. "While every car in the state goes through an annual emissions check, and while emissions from power plants and smokestacks of all sorts are heavily regulated, trucks and buses have been getting a free ride," said Rich Kassel of the National Resources Defense Council. The proposed legislation would require the annual inspections starting in 1999; out-of-state vehicles would be targeted through roadside inspections.