Overview
- U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty issued a preliminary injunction requiring New Hampshire to continue its inspection and maintenance program under the Clean Air Act.
- The ruling arose from a lawsuit by Gordon-Darby Holdings, the contractor running the program, which argued the state cannot end inspections without federal sign-off.
- New Hampshire has applied for EPA approval to terminate the program, but regulators have not issued a decision.
- Attorney General John M. Formella said the state is reviewing the order and will provide public guidance in the coming days, with drivers still needing valid inspection stickers.
- House Republican leaders plan a “Live Free and Drive” amendment next week to address the court’s concerns, with floated details including a $1 noncompliance penalty.