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Cohen Talks to EPA About 'Check Engine' Light Concerns in Memphis

February 28, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) spoke with experts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the “check engine” light concerns in Memphis. The conversation was a follow-up to a letter he sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson last week about the feedback he received throughout the City of Memphis that car inspection facilities are failing local vehicles due to “check engine” lights that remain on, causing motorists to spend their limited time and money before passing inspection.

“Yesterday, I spoke to experts at EPA about my concerns surrounding the ‘check engine’ light situation in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. “The phone call enabled me to better understand what is taking place and why so many Memphians, myself included, are experiencing difficulty passing inspection. I also learned that while the emissions testing program was implemented under the Clean Air Act of 1970, the State of Tennessee, in concert with the City of Memphis, voluntarily decided to use the check engine light exam in Memphis. Although the program is already in place, there are steps that can be taken by the State to alleviate the problems many Memphians are experiencing. I look forward to working with Governor Haslam to resolve this unfortunate and expensive issue.”

Click here to see the letter Congressman Cohen sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson last week.