SPRINGFIELD –   A plan will be presented this fall to replace dismantled vehicle emissions inspection stations in Chicago after a measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the Senate Friday. 

“This legislation will help restore a badly needed service in Chicago and in the northwest suburbs,” Martwick said. “People shouldn’t have to drive for miles and wait in long lines in order to meet this requirement for their vehicles.”

Senate Bill 1234 as amended would require  the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to submit a written report to the General Assembly by Oct. 1 2022, which would include a plan to replace the dismantled emissions inspection stations within the City of Chicago. The plan would help establish a pilot program or permanent replacement program as well as a timeline to implement the plan. 

The measure is designed to address the lack of available vehicle emissions testing stations in Chicago following the closure of four stations in 2016. Test sites in Bucktown and Harwood Heights were closed leaving the City of Chicago without a testing station. Two suburban facilities in Elk Grove Village and Tinley Park were also closed.

“The closure of these stations in 2016 created a burden for our residents, and I’m glad that we are going to create a plan that will make emissions testing more convenient for the residents of Chicago and the near suburbs,” Martwick said.

Senate Bill 1234 passed the Senate Friday.

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