Councilwoman Seeks Relief as Bexar County Emissions Testing Nears

San Antonio District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears is continuing to work with state and federal officials to seek relief from mandatory vehicle emissions testing in Bexar County, which is scheduled to begin November 1, 2026.

The effort follows a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency to Gov. Greg Abbott announcing that the agency would reconsider Bexar County’s nonattainment status. That designation triggered the region’s emissions-testing requirements.

Spears traveled to Washington, D.C., and met directly with EPA officials to advocate for San Antonio residents. She said the EPA’s reconsideration opened the possibility of relief, but legal questions raised by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have slowed progress.

According to Spears, TCEQ lawyers have questioned whether the state can legally pause the testing requirement while the EPA review is underway. She said she is pressing TCEQ to address those concerns and is continuing to work with state and federal officials.

The councilwoman said the financial impact could extend beyond the inspection fee. Drivers whose vehicles fail an emissions test may need to pay for repairs before renewing their vehicle registrations.

Spears also emphasized the potential effect on working families and seniors who rely on personal vehicles for reliable transportation. She said an unexpected repair bill could force residents to choose between keeping a vehicle on the road and paying for essentials such as groceries, housing or medicine.

Mandatory vehicle emissions testing is set to take effect in Bexar County on November 1, despite the EPA’s reconsideration of the county’s nonattainment status. Spears said her work will continue as officials address the legal issues surrounding a possible pause or other relief.