Cirino Applauds Governor's Directive to End E-Check in NE Ohio

COLUMBUS— Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland) applauded Governor DeWine's direction to the Ohio EPA to begin the process of ending the E-Check car emissions testing program in Northeast Ohio.

This news comes on the heels of the U.S. EPA announcing that Northeast Ohio now met all federal air quality standards. Launched in 1996, the program required certain vehicles to be tested for emissions every two years.

While U.S. EPA approval is required to eliminate the program, the process can now start.

"I agree with Governor DeWine's call to hopefully end this program now that Northeast Ohio has met all federal air quality standards," Sen. Cirino said. "Hopefully, if the EPA approves, we can now end what has been a tremendous inconvenience for Northeast Ohioans for decades. I'm grateful to the Ohio EPA and the many more who worked hard to get us to this point."

The Ohio EPA Director John Logue echoed this sentiment: “Ohio EPA has worked for decades with communities and businesses to improve air quality,” said Logue. “With the region now meeting federal air quality standards, we’re ready to take the next steps in this process while ensuring those improvements continue in the years to come.”

Until the U.S. EPA approves the request to end the program, the E-Check program will continue.