Idaho's Pollution Laws: What You Need To Know

Idaho has several laws and programs in place to combat air pollution, particularly vehicle emissions, which are a significant source of air pollution in the state. The state's Department of Environmental Quality offers guidance on how to reduce pollution from vehicles and engines, and Idaho has a vehicle emissions testing program to ensure that cars do not emit excessive pollution. However, there is a movement to end vehicle emissions testing in the state, with the Idaho Legislature passing a law to remove emissions tests for Canyon County and Kuna, and potentially Ada County as well. This has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of emissions tests in improving air quality and protecting public health.

Vehicle emissions testing

The State of Idaho requires motor vehicles to pass a smog check before they can be registered. The Idaho DMV mails renewal reminders to vehicle owners in Ada and Canyon counties and sends the first notice a month before the test's due date. The notice provides the test due date, testing information, and a list of available local test sites. The fee for a smog check in Idaho is $11 per vehicle test.

There are some exemptions to the rule. For example, vehicles made in the 1981 model year or earlier are exempt, as are vehicles that are not registered or used in Ada County, Idaho. If a vehicle falls into one of these categories, it is exempt from getting a smog check.

The Idaho DMV will administer an ODBII test on all motor vehicles made in 1996 or newer model years in Ada and Canyon counties. The OBDII system is a mechanical issue early-warning system that records the vehicle's performance. During the test, a technician hooks an emissions diagnostic tool up to the vehicle's DLC to check the engine and emissions systems. If there are too many monitors stating a "Not Ready" status, the vehicle will not pass the test.

The Two-Speed Idle (TSI) Test is performed on vehicles made from 1991 to 1995. This test measures the amount of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from the vehicle's tailpipe. There are two speeds used in the TSI test: a low RPM test and a high RPM test.

The Gas Cap Test is required for vehicles older than 1995. The gas caps will be inspected visually to ensure they seal properly. Vehicles made in 1996 or later will have the ODBII system check their gas cap automatically.

Air quality standards

Idaho's air quality is affected by a variety of pollutants, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone being the main pollutants of concern. These pollutants primarily come from fires, industrial sources, and vehicles. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality provides guidelines to help reduce pollution from vehicles and engines. These include regular tune-ups, proper tyre maintenance, avoiding topping off the gas tank, driving less, and driving wisely by avoiding carrying extra items and using roof racks only when necessary.

The health impacts of air pollution are significant, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and people with health conditions such as asthma. Breathing in air pollutants can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, lung damage, birth defects, nerve damage, reduced immunity, and an increased risk of cancer. Idaho residents are advised to follow recommendations from the Department of Health and Welfare to protect themselves from ozone and wildfire smoke exposure.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Additionally, the 1990 Clean Air Act lists 188 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that are known or suspected to cause cancer and other health concerns. These include industrial chemicals, solvents, metals, pesticides, and combustion by-products.

Idaho's air quality is monitored through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides real-time data on the air quality of different cities within the state. This information is accessible through platforms such as the IQAir AirVisual app and the AirNow program, which offers email updates, web cameras, and custom maps for tracking air quality. Idaho's cleanest cities, as ranked by IQAir, include Miller Creek Settlement, American Falls, Arbon, and multiple cities with a ranking of 56.

Health impacts of pollution

The health impacts of pollution are significant and far-reaching, affecting people in Idaho and worldwide. Air pollution, a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources, poses a severe threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for millions of deaths annually, and its impact has increased over the past two decades.

One of the most common forms of air pollution is haze, which occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny pollution particles in the air, reducing visibility. However, the impact of these tiny particles on human health is far more concerning. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone are the primary pollutants of concern in Idaho. These pollutants, mainly from fires, industrial sources, and vehicles, can have serious respiratory and cardiovascular effects when inhaled.

PM2.5, being 30 times thinner than a human hair, can be inhaled deeply into lung tissue. This contributes to various health issues, including lung damage, reduced immunity, and an increased risk of developing cancer. People with pre-existing heart or lung disease, children, older adults, and those who work or recreate outdoors are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of PM2.5 exposure.

Ozone, a powerful lung irritant, causes inflammation and damage to the delicate lining of the small airways when inhaled. This can impact multiple body systems and lead to serious respiratory issues, even in healthy young adults. Long-term exposure to ozone pollution can cause lasting damage to respiratory health, including oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which may lay the foundation for chronic diseases and an increased risk of premature death.

Additionally, air pollution disproportionately affects certain populations. Children and adolescents are more vulnerable due to their developing bodies and immune systems. People of colour and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face higher exposure to air pollution due to discriminatory practices and institutionalised residential segregation. These communities experience higher rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases, and their pre-existing health conditions make them more susceptible to the detrimental health impacts of pollution.

Pollution from wildfires

Idaho has various pollution laws in place, with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality offering guidance on how to reduce pollution from vehicles and engines. The state also has air quality standards in place, with the main pollutants of concern being fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, which primarily come from fires (wildfires, prescribed fires, crop residue burning, and open burning), industrial sources, and vehicles.

Wildfires are a natural part of Idaho's ecosystem, rejuvenating the land by removing dead vegetation and creating space for new plant generations. However, they also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone. The state has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change, with the fire season lengthening by about a month since the 1980s. This prolonged fire season provides more opportunities for fires to spread, impacting air quality.

Wildfires release a complex mixture of pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and toxic air contaminants. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on human health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The smoke and haze generated by wildfires can reduce visibility, impacting scenic areas and causing respiratory issues.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare provides resources to help residents stay healthy during wildfire smoke events, including community guides and health information hotlines. It is recommended to sign up for air quality advisories, monitor wildfire activity, and identify a clean room to reduce smoke exposure while indoors. Additionally, the EPA's Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires educates the public about the risks of smoke exposure and the actions to take to protect their health.

Preparing for wildfire smoke in advance is crucial. Residents should follow recommendations from official sources and take proactive measures to reduce their exposure to smoke. This includes staying indoors when possible, using air purifiers, and seeking guidance from health professionals if experiencing respiratory or other health issues related to wildfire smoke exposure.

Federal vs state pollution laws

In the United States, companies need to comply with both federal and state environmental regulatory bodies. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the national standards for environmental protection, which are then adopted by individual states. While states typically create laws that are at least as stringent as federal ones, they take precedence over federal laws as long as the state assumes primary responsibility for implementation and enforcement.

The EPA has oversight responsibility and monitors state and tribal implementation of EPA-approved programs. It also has the authority to countermand state permitting decisions under specific circumstances, such as when a pollutant presents an imminent danger to the populace. In such cases, the EPA can take complete control of state enforcement authority without any notice. The EPA supports a "no surprises principle," sharing information and inspection reports with states.

Federalism doctrine limits federal power, and federal law may preempt state legislation in issues of interstate commerce or navigable waters. Federal regulation of nonpoint source water pollution is often considered weak, as localities lack the incentive to enforce federal regulations, and federal enforcers cannot countermand state decisions. On the other hand, states often serve as testing grounds for policies that may later be adopted as federal laws or policies.

The Clean Air Act (CAA), overseen by the EPA, is an example of conditional preemption. While states make permitting decisions regarding new pollution sources, the EPA can override these decisions. The EPA also oversees the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which regulates solid waste in the United States.

Idaho, for example, has a Department of Environmental Quality that provides recommendations to reduce pollution from vehicles and engines, such as regular tune-ups, proper tire inflation, and avoiding topping off the gas tank. The state also acknowledges the health risks of air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, and encourages residents to follow health guidelines to protect themselves.

Frequently asked questions