Program would help those whose vehicles fail state inspection

County commissioners are considering whether El Paso County should participate in a program meant to help the owners of vehicles that fail inspection.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality presented the court with its proposal Thursday.

“The goal is to make sure folks are passing the emissions test and to have cleaner vehicles,” said Donna Huff, an Air Quality Manager with TCEQ.

In order to qualify for the program, the owner of a vehicle that fails state inspection would need to meet low income requirements and would also need to prove he or she cannot afford to fix the vehicle.

Those who qualify would have the option of getting $600 dollars to fix their vehicle or getting $3,500 to buy a vehicle that passes inspection.

“If you (choose to) repair, you have to go to a DPS certified repair facility,” said Huff. “If you (choose to replace your vehicle), you have to go to a dealership that participates in the program.”

The clean air program is partly funded by the state. The County of El Paso would have to add $2 to the registration sticker fee to help fund the program.

County Judge Veronica Escobar tells ABC-7 Commissioners Court asked county staff to look at data from other counties participating in the program. It wants to find out if it helped curb pollution related to motor vehicles.

The court will wait until it receives more information before deciding whether it will participate, according to Escobar.