Emission Testing Ends in Anchorage March 1st

Small business owners speak out against ending the program early, and say it'll force them to lay off employees.

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by Megan Mazurek

Story Created: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:45 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:45 PM AKDT

Many Alaskans gave a sigh of relief after learning emissions testing will end March 1st, but not everyone is happy about the move.
Many businesses are expressing upset over cutting the grace period short.
The assembly originally voted to allow six months so centers could prepare for the loss of business. However it's reported Mayor Dan Sullivan said continuing the program would be "unconscionable" and a needless expense.
The manager of Alaska Quick Lube Emissions Test Center and Anchorage Tire Factory says because of the move the company has to lay off about a third of its workforce.
She feels the city should have honored the original extension giving them time to try and save those jobs.
"If we had the six months that we were promised we could have had that time to retrain or do something different to hopefully keep those employees," said Vickie Klassen, Manager of Quick Lube Emissions Test Center.
The assembly heard about an hour of testimony Tuesday (1/31) before voting 6-to-5 to end the program early.

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