Wilton Woman Challenges New Hampshire’s End of Emissions Inspections

Marilyn Jonas, who says she has dealt with asthma for most of her life, filed the lawsuit this week.

A Wilton resident has taken New Hampshire to court over the decision to end required vehicle emissions testing, arguing the change could weaken air quality protections across the state. Marilyn Jonas, who says she has dealt with asthma for most of her life, filed the lawsuit this week and is asking for the inspection system to be restored in some form right away.

Her complaint says the state’s move conflicts with the federal Clean Air Act and leaves New Hampshire without an adequate way to control pollution from cars. Jonas contends that without emissions checks, drivers will be allowed to release more harmful exhaust into the air, which she believes will eventually affect public health and the state’s outdoor reputation.

The case also includes Gordon-Darby, the company that operated New Hampshire’s testing program. That company has already launched its own separate legal challenge tied to the same issue.

Concerns about air quality have also been raised by Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, who said smoke from wildfires only adds to the need for stronger emission controls. She argued that protecting clean skies and breathable air requires continued regulation rather than loosening standards.

Supporters of ending the inspections have maintained that the program did not meaningfully improve safety or air quality. They have also said it often left motorists paying for repairs that were ordered during inspection visits.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed the law ending the mandatory inspection program in June 2025, with the change originally scheduled to begin on Feb. 1. After Gordon-Darby went to court, a judge ordered the inspections to continue, but in mid-February the Attorney General’s Office said the program would be suspended until further notice.

Even without emissions testing, drivers remain responsible for meeting state safety requirements, including keeping brakes, lights and tires in working order.