Maryland VEIP

Over a month ago I received a letter from the Maryland Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program ("VEIP"). The letter informed me that as a Maryland resident with a car, I am required to have an emissions test done on my vehicle AND I have to pay a $14.00 fee (read:tax) for this test. I have a 2005 SUV. Get real Maryland. I am so going to pass this test.

I am originally from Michigan, what used to be the automotive capital of the world. The rule there is that if your vehicle is over 10 years old you have to come in for an emissions test. I will dare say that the air is so much cleaner in Michigan. This assertion is not based on any scientific evidence but it is based on the cleaner smell of the Michigan air.

According to the VEIP site:
"VEIP is an important component of the State's plan to improve air quality. By requiring inspection of vehicle emission systems every two years and repair of vehicles that fail to meet emissions standards, VEIP significantly reduces vehicle emissions that contribute to Maryland's air quality problem of ground-level ozone.

Maryland's VEIP is working. By having your vehicle tested, you are playing an important part in Maryland's successful and ongoing efforts to create a healthier Maryland. Along with cleaner fuels and vehicles, VEIP has significantly reduced Maryland's carbon monoxide pollution problems. However, we continue to have a problem with ground level ozone, a major component of smog."

Another major component of smog is traffic congestion. How about fixing the traffic problems in the area like widening Georgia ave to include left and right turn lanes. So that when drivers make left turns traffic does not come to a complete halt.

Better yet don't require me to come to an emissions testing facility 30 minutes away from my home and make me idle my car for 30 minutes waiting in line with my heat on. I rarely drive during the week because I take the Metro to work. I passed the test as I knew I would. It was a waste of my time and money. And worst of all, this test contributed more pollution as I sat in rush hour traffic to get to the testing station and waited in line with my car idling.