Rep. Brennan Applauds Move to End E-Check Program in Northeast Ohio Following Years of Advocacy

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today praised Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio EPA’s announcement to begin the official process of ending the E-Check vehicle emissions testing program in Northeast Ohio.

For years, Rep. Brennan has been a vocal critic of the decades-long mandate, having supported bipartisan efforts alongside Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) urging state and federal officials to eliminate the program. 

“E-Check has consistently been one of the biggest complaints I received from my constituents who waste thousands and thousands of gallons of expensive gasoline traveling to and from testing sites and idling in testing lines,” said Rep. Brennan. “This program has been a major hassle for working families and I have fought to end this program for years. There are better ways to improve air quality than this program that has not shown any considerable evidence of effectiveness.”

The E-Check program, which requires biennial vehicle testing across Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties, costs the state approximately $11 million annually. Rep. Brennan has long argued that these public funds would be far better directed toward public transit and conservation education.

With the region officially reaching attainment for federal air quality standards, Ohio EPA Director John Logue confirmed that the state can successfully maintain clean air without the testing program.

The Ohio EPA is set to issue a public notice next month inviting community feedback, followed by a public meeting in November. Once public comments are reviewed, the state will submit its formal request to the U.S. EPA for final approval before the end of the year. Until federal approval is finalized, the E-Check program will continue to operate normally.

“I am thrilled to see the administration take this critical step. Northeast Ohio drivers have endured this hassle for far too long, and I look forward to seeing this outdated program permanently retired,” Rep. Brennan concluded.