OGDEN — The Weber-Morgan Health Board could vote on a diesel emissions testing rule Monday, opening the proposed regulation to public comment.

The board’s agenda for Monday, Aug. 22 lists “Request for Public Hearing on Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Regulation Revision” as an action item, scheduled for a vote around 4:30 p.m. A vote in favor would turn the proposed rule to the public, soliciting feedback from Weber County citizens, board chair Logan Wilde said.

“They will have it there on file, I believe,” he said, referring to the health department. “That way if the public wants to change something they have the opportunity.”

The board will likely make a final vote on a diesel emission program in September, Wilde said. To have a diesel program in place for 2017, a majority of the board will need to vote in favor by October.

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Wilde provided a copy of the diesel testing implementation procedure, which should be made public after Monday’s meeting. Starting on Jan. 1, 2017, diesel vehicles 1998 and newer, weighing 14,000 pounds or less, will need to pass an emissions test before registering in Weber County.

The emissions tests will also include inspections for tampering.

The proposed rule for Weber County would allow diesel cars and trucks to have tests at existing, privately owned emissions stations. The tests would be similar to those currently required for gas-powered vehicles. They would cost around $30.

The health board has debated whether to implement a diesel emissions program for over a year and a half. Some board members worried a program created unnecessarily government intrusion. Health department workers and state officials said it was a lost-cost step toward improved air quality. Environmental advocates called diesel emissions testing a moral imperative for the benefit of public health. 

Most of the board’s elected officials, who comprise a majority of the board’s membership, have spoken against diesel emissions testing in the past or expressed skepticism. The board’s members with backgrounds in health have spoken in favor of a program.

But earlier this month, Wilde said the tide had changed, and most board members would likely vote in favor of a program. 

Diesel emissions testing is required in Cache, Davis and Salt Lake Counties. The Utah County Commission repealed its diesel emissions program in 2006. 

The implementation procedure says the Weber County diesel emissions program will sunset on March 31, 2020, when the health board will evaluate its impacts.

The Weber-Morgan Health Board meets at 4 p.m. the fourth Monday of nearly every month at the health department building, 477 23rd St. in Ogden. For information on upcoming meetings, visit the health department website or call 801-399-7100.

* Note: an earlier version of this story previously said the health board meets the third Monday of the month. It meets the fourth Monday. We regret the error. 

Contact Reporter Leia Larsen at 801-625-4289 or llarsen@standard.net. Follow her on Facebook.com/leiaoutside or on Twitter @LeiaLarsen.