Memphis Air Pollution Programs in Turmoil as Officials Study Options

"In the aftermath of Memphis' smoggiest summer in years, local efforts to control air pollution have been thrown into disarray by the city's decision to withdraw funds for vehicle emissions testing and a Shelby County Commission squabble over plans for a new monitoring station."



"After the City Council's vote in August to cut the $2.7 million inspection program after next June 30, a committee appointed by County Mayor Mark Luttrell began studying options for vehicle testing and other air quality issues. Although it's early in the process, three main scenarios are emerging, according to interviews with several officials:

The county could take over the program, running it in much the same form but expanding it to also require inspections of vehicles owned by residents living in unincorporated areas of Shelby, not just those within Memphis city limits."

Tom Charlier reports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal October 1, 2012.

Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, 10/01/2012