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Emissions Testing Comes to an EndAfter 26 years I/M program endsANCHORAGE - For the last month, days have been pretty slow at the Qwik Lube on the intersection of Old Seward Highway and Tudor Road. Technicians said they used to be busy with nearly 50 emissions tests performed every day for 26 years. “We know that the emissions test has worked and has done its job in cleaning up the air in Anchorage,” said Qwik Lube Manager Michelle Lancaster. Owners of emissions testing businesses said they knew the end of the program was near, but didn't think it would come so soon. They expected a six month grace period, but the Anchorage Assembly voted to end it March 1. “We have lost five employees because of cuts, now that we haven't had the six months to reorganize and restructure,” said Lancaster. “It was basically overnight.” About 30 percent of its revenue came from emissions tests. “That is a fairly large chunk of your income gone – instantly,” she said. They plan to provide others services like tire maintenance to make up for the loss. Most drivers are happy about the news though. “It means spending less money to keep my car on the road, and considering next month is when my tags are up, that really makes me happy,” said Anchorage resident Darlene Fournet. Some however have mixed emotions. “Down the road it’s going to hurt,” said Anchorage driver Victoria Moran. "It's definitely going to come back at us, but in the long wrong it saves us a couple hundred dollars every couple years.” But all agree it's just one more change they'll learn to live with. |
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cooljulie said on Wednesday, Feb 29 at 9:55 PM
Why should the IM centers expect a 6 month grace period? This wasn't a welfare program to keep them in business. It should have ended years ago, and they all knew that. At this point in time, so few vehicles were failing the test, that essentially the shops were just going through the motions and collecting the big fee, plus hoping to spot some repair they could upsell the customer on. Bad business all the way around. Maybe now the city (state?) will be smart enough to enact a safety inspection for things like brakes, tires, suspension and steering. It also seems like they should still be able to enforce blatant emissions violations, such as cars emitting blue smoke from burning oil.
82668006onlyafewbucksleft said on Thursday, Mar 1 at 3:06 AM
Lost money to people with money.Will only cost the ones who don't have a fortune to pay more and it wont have an ending the next time.We will be fleesed in many other ways to replenish the politicians buddies with money.Realection doesn't come cheep.To cooljulie thanks i have given enough and i think the cops have a bit more to do then look.
82675963Birke said on Thursday, Mar 1 at 9:19 AM
Did Ms. Moran REALLY say "in the long wrong"?? Too funny.
82709481Hmmm said on Saturday, Mar 3 at 11:00 AM
CoolJulie....I agree with half your comments, but the other half, I do not agree because, it is the vehicle owner's responsibility to maintain a vehicle. The owner should be inspecting tires and checking the fluids, if the owner does not know how to do these tasks, there are plenty of shops around town who do know and charge accordingly. Also, the manufacturer of each vehicle sends at least one booklet with the vehicle, and it states what the OWNER should be maintaining and at what time, i.e. oil change schedule, tire change schedule, etc. The OWNER'S manual is very informative. I really don't want to see another law passed that forces an irresponsible owner to wise up.
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