On Friday, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office announced the immediate suspension of the state’s vehicle inspection program indefinitely. This action follows a federal judge’s decision to halt the program’s planned termination. Gordon-Darby, the firm contracted to manage New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection services, initiated legal action against the state. They argued that ending the program without an Environmental Protection Agency waiver contravened the Clean Air Act. New Hampshire has applied for this waiver, but it remains under review.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday that the state’s vehicle inspection program has been suspended indefinitely.
This development follows a federal judge’s intervention, which temporarily halted the program’s discontinuation.
Gordon-Darby, the company responsible for operating New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection initiative, filed a lawsuit against the state. The company contended that discontinuing the program without an EPA waiver was a breach of the Clean Air Act.
New Hampshire has submitted an application for the required waiver, but it is still awaiting approval.
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The Executive Council has since terminated its agreement with Gordon-Darby.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, inspection facilities are no longer permitted to issue state inspection stickers, and vehicles are not currently mandated to obtain one.
Authorities from the departments of Safety and Environmental Services stated they are investigating methods to adhere to the court’s directive. However, they claim they lack the legal capacity to run the program due to the absence of an authorized vendor.
New Hampshire plans to appeal the judge’s decision.
Numerous questions persist regarding the program. Drivers in New Hampshire are curious why a federal court order impacts a state-level initiative.
“While it’s a state statute, New Hampshire was compelled to enact it to meet Clean Air Act requirements, placing it under federal legal authority,” clarified Daniel Pi, a law professor at the University of New Hampshire.
Some individuals questioned why an out-of-state corporation was chosen to manage the program.
Dan Bennett, president of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, commented, “I’m quite certain the state engages numerous vendors for services – local, out-of-state, national, and occasionally global – across a wide range of state-provided functions.”
Motorists expressed frustration with the state’s handling of the situation.
Chip Colello, from Acworth, remarked, “It brings to mind education and other areas. Greater transparency is definitely needed.”
Sarah Glenfield, of Concord, suggested, “It could be made more user-friendly for residents while still ensuring road safety for all.”
According to experts, the state faces conflicting pressures from various directions.
Pi stated, “The core issue isn’t a lack of transparency; rather, it’s the absence of a straightforward solution to the predicament they are facing.”
Marty Rouleau, an auto mechanic based in Somersworth, had vehicle inspection appointments booked for the upcoming week. With the program’s suspension, those appointments are now unnecessary.
Rouleau commented, “As an auto body and auto mechanic holding an inspection license for five decades, I still haven’t received official notification about the current situation.”
The Attorney General’s Office clarified that motorists are still obligated to maintain their vehicles in a safe operational state.