Lawmakers hope to exempt seniors from vehicle emissions testing mandate:Report

Indiana state senators Rick Niemeyer and Dan Dernulc are again pushing to roll back vehicle emissions testing requirements in Lake and Porter counties, starting with an exemption for motorists aged 65 and older. Senate Bill 103, which passed the Senate Committee on Environmental Affairs 11-0, directs the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to study the environmental impact of such an exemption, with a report due by June 30, 2026, reported NWI.com.

Critics argue that removing seniors from testing requirements could require shifting the burden to other vehicle owners, such as commercial or diesel-powered vehicles. IDEM officials caution that the study may not yield the results lawmakers hope for, as Lake and Porter counties are grouped with Chicago for air-quality compliance due to high ozone levels. The region fails to meet federal ozone standards, necessitating emissions testing as a pollution control measure.

Proponents argue that industrial emissions and out-of-state traffic contribute more to pollution than local residents’ vehicles. However, ozone remains a significant health concern, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with lung disease.