§ 31-47.1-1 - Legislative findings.
SECTION 31-47.1-1
§ 31-47.1-1 Legislative findings. –The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1) Air quality in Rhode Island does not meet the nationaland state ambient air quality standard for ozone;
(2) Poor air quality has an adverse effect on the health ofall Rhode Island residents, particularly the elderly, the very young and thosewith respiratory ailments;
(3) Motor vehicle emissions account for a substantial amountof air pollution problems in the state;
(4) There is a dramatic need to reduce motor vehicleemissions in Rhode Island;
(5) The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.) mandates that the states formulate and implement individualprograms to systematically improve ambient air quality, including a program toreduce emissions through the inspection and maintenance of motor vehicles;
(6) Should Rhode Island fail to act in a timely manner toimprove its ambient air quality pursuant to the Clean Air Act Amendments of1990, notwithstanding the continued adverse effect air pollution will have onthe environment and citizenry of the state, the United States department oftransportation will withhold highway funding until compliance is attained, theUnited States environmental protection agency will withhold grants to supportair pollution planning and control programs until compliance is attained,require new emissions be offset by emissions reductions at a ratio of two (2)to one, and will implement a motor vehicle emissions inspection program in thestate. In addition, the citizens of the state of Rhode Island may seekinjunctive relief under the provisions of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.).
(7) The general assembly enacted legislation mandating acentralized system for motor vehicle emissions inspections and maintenanceduring the January 1993 session;
(8) The centralized motor vehicle emission inspection andmaintenance program was never implemented;
(9) A decentralized system for motor vehicle emissioninspection is more desirable than a centralized system;
(10) Designing, promulgating and implementing a decentralizedsystem for motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance will improve airquality, protect the health of Rhode Islanders, assure compliance with thefederal clean air act and allow the removal of sanctions imposed on the stateof Rhode Island.