Pandemic Disrupted Vehicle Emissions Testing, EPA Watchdog Finds

The risk of excess vehicle emissions increased when the EPA temporarily closed its transportation air quality testing facility during the pandemic, the agency’s watchdog said Monday.

An evaluation from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Inspector General revealed that the Office of Transportation and Air Quality faced setbacks when it shuttered its vehicle and fuel emissions laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich. to adhere to coronavirus precautions.

The transportation air quality office aims to protect public health by reducing excess vehicle emission sources through light-duty and diesel vehicle emissions testing and interaction with regulated industries.

The inspector general emphasized that the office has ...