Maryland Emissions Testing... What a Joke.

Because the '08-'09 Prius does not qualify for hybrid
exemption/waiver, it looks like Amapola is going to have to submit to
the indignity of a Maryland state emissions test.

There is a procedure for waiver or exemption requests which says:
"Vehicles solely powered by: Diesel.......Electric......Hybrid with 50
mpg EPA Rating."

The 2008 Prius' EPA rating is 48 mpg. In 2007, the Prius had a
60 mpg city rating. Then the EPA changed its standardized mileage
test and beginning in 2008, the Prius is rated at only 48 mpg. (The
2010 Prius is rated at 51 mpg city.) The 2007 Prius does qualify for
the exemption/waiver, But, no 2008 or 2009 model hybrids qualify.
Yet, the 2008-2009 Prius is exactly the same car. It pollutes no more
in 2008 and 2009 than it did in 2007. Pre-'08 Gen II retain the waiver!

Either my elected representatives in Naplis or the MVA bureaucrats
are too dense, or unawares, or simply money-grubbing drudges to
change the law/regulations.

There is some good news.:

"The dynamometer test has been eliminated."
In its place for the Prius is an On Board Diagnostics (OBD) Test.
"* The OBD test uses a scan tool to connect to the vehicles On-Board
Diagnostics computer...
"*The system is checked to determine if there are emission control
components that are failing which may cause vehicle emissions to
exceed allowable limits..."

I intend to go in on Monday. This should be a piece of cake. My
ScanGauge isn't showing any codes. I hate the idea of wasting gas
just driving to the test site. I also begrudge the time spent driving
to the testing site and waiting in line.

Here's what really bugs me; clean air is clean air. Diesels as a class
are not known as a source of particularly clean exhaust pipe emissions.
What could the basis be for the blanket emissions test waiver/exemption
for any/all diesels? --

I mean other than political chicanery or a special interest give-away.