Patrick Von Dohlen is highlighting a possible path to relief for Bexar County drivers. In a Facebook update, he shared a September 28, 2026, letter from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to Governor Greg Abbott describing reconsideration of federal actions connected to Texas ozone requirements.
The letter includes EPA’s 2022 disapproval of Texas’ Clean Air Act Section 179B(b) demonstration for the San Antonio area. It says one possible outcome of the review could be relief from certain requirements triggered by the actions under reconsideration.
What the EPA letter says
The two-page letter supplied with Patrick’s post identifies three actions being reconsidered:
- EPA’s 2024 action granting Texas’ voluntary reclassification request under the 2015 ozone standard.
- EPA’s 2022 findings of failure to attain and reclassifications for the Houston–Galveston–Brazoria and Dallas–Fort Worth areas under the 2008 ozone standard.
- EPA’s 2022 disapproval of Texas’ Section 179B(b) demonstration and associated finding of failure to attain for the San Antonio area under the 2015 ozone standard.
The letter says EPA is considering these actions alongside technical information and demonstrations provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The outcome remains undecided. The letter expressly states that EPA cannot predetermine the result of its administrative reconsideration. It does not itself announce the cancellation of Bexar County’s emissions-testing program.
Patrick describes the campaign’s advocacy
Patrick says he first spoke against emissions testing at San Antonio City Council in 2019 and that his campaign has worked on the issue throughout 2026. In the Facebook post, he describes:
- Outreach through former Congressmen Jeff Fortenberry and Trey Gowdy to Administrator Zeldin.
- Multiple letters to TCEQ, Governor Abbott, and Administrator Zeldin.
- Testimony before TCEQ.
- Two press conferences at the Bexar County Courthouse with elected officials, community organizations, and other candidates.
- An online petition asking EPA for relief.
These are Patrick’s account of the campaign’s efforts. The EPA letter does not attribute its reconsideration to a particular campaign or individual’s advocacy.
“The fight isn’t over until EPA’s final decision, but today we are one step closer.”
Why the issue matters to drivers
Patrick’s post emphasizes the potential cost of testing and repairs for families. It cites a $28.50 annual amount and potential repair bills of $1,500 or more. Readers should distinguish testing-related charges from existing registration charges; repair bills vary by vehicle and the work required.
For the campaign’s explanation of fees, vehicle eligibility, and waivers, read Bexar County Emissions Testing 2026: Will Your Car Pass?
Follow the issue and add your voice
Patrick argues that his long-standing opposition to the mandate offers a contrast with Ron Nirenberg’s record. The campaign’s emissions-testing issue page contains its position and supporting material.
Residents can also read about the petition seeking relief for Bexar County drivers.
Source: Patrick Von Dohlen’s Facebook update and the accompanying images of the September 28, 2026, EPA letter to Governor Abbott, supplied for this article.
Read the EPA letter
The following screenshots show both pages of the letter shared with Patrick’s Facebook post. Select an image to read the full-size version.
