We commend state Sen. John Wozniak for his leadership role in asking the U.S. Congress to re-evaluate the enhanced vehicle emissions inspection program.
We suspect the program and its mission are outdated; it always has been arbitrary and unfair.
Wozniak, a Westmont Democrat, agrees, saying he believes motorists in Cambria and 24 other Pennsylvania counties are being unjustly socked with a yearly $25 to $40 fee for an antipollution check

that more than 95 percent of vehicles pass.
“Virtually all cars pass the test, and it’s time to re-evaluate whether it’s just a waste of money for consumers,” he said in a Sunday story by reporter Bernie Hornick.
“Most households have two or three cars. I think the test needs to be tested.”
For those fortunate enough to be unaffected, here’s what has been happening:
The test is required of all 1975 and newer models in the 25 counties and is conducted in conjunction with the regular vehicle inspection. It includes computerized testing of the catalytic converter, O2 sensor system and gas cap and inspection of the “check engine” light.
But as Wozniak correctly points out, times have changed since 1997, when testing first began in a handful of counties.
Engines nowadays burn cleaner.
“The technology of the internal combustion engine has made the auto emission concept obsolete,” Wozniak said.
Among the issues that have stuck in our craw is this:
Someone living in exempt Somerset or Indiana County could be putting a majority of his or her local miles on while driving to work, for shopping or seeking entertainment in, for example, Cambria County, which requires testing for its motorists.
Here’s another example of unfairness offered by Wozniak: “You could be driving a Prius in Cambria County and you have to pay for the test. But if you drive an old pickup in Indiana County, you’re exempt. We need to evaluate whether people who made the right choice are being punished by an unnecessary test.”
We support Wozniak’s efforts to move fellow legislators on addressing the testing inequities.
We wish him quick success.