New Providence, Bahamas - The following is a statement by Hon. Kenred Dorsett, Bahamas Minister of the Environment and Housing:

In an effort to lower our collective carbon footprint, it is the intention of the government of The Bahamas to advance legislation regulating vehicle emissions.

This proposed legislation calls for all passenger vehicles excluding antique vehicles, motorcycles,bicycles with electric motor attached or motor scooters to undergo emissions testing. The owners of motor vehicles would be required to present their vehicles for testing on an annual basis. Such test would be conducted under the guidance of the Controller of the Road Traffic Department. Should the vehicle pass the emissions test a certificate of standard will be issued which should be affixed to the motor vehicle. Should the vehicle not meet the set standard a grace period of four weeks will be granted in order to become compliant. There are also penalties for persons failing to present their vehicles for emissions testing at the prescribed time.

This intended legislation also contains a schedule of the maximum permissible emissions for passenger vehicles, light trucks, heavy trucks and diesel fueled vehicles. There is also a schedule of fees to be levied for the annual emissions testing.

A copy of the bill called the Environmental Health (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2013 is being released to begin the process of public consultation on this matter. The bill be will be available for viewing or download by the general public via internet at www.bahamas.gov.bs and on the Ministry of Environment and Housing's facebook page at www.facebook.com/ministryofeh or copies can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Housing, 2nd Floor Charlotte House, Shirley and Charlotte Streets. 

ATTACHED BELOW is  a copy of the Environmental Health (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2013 bill