THE EMISSIONS MANDATE:
What It Means For Your Family
A new mandate could add another cost and another hassle for Bexar County drivers. Starting November 1, 2026, every gasoline-powered Bexar County vehicle 2 to 24 model years old must pass a mandatory emissions test -- or you cannot renew your registration.
Learn MoreCelebrate With Us: A Major Step Toward Emissions Testing Relief
EPA has announced it is reconsidering the decisions that triggered vehicle emissions testing in the San Antonio area. Patrick Von Dohlen organized a joint request from local and state leaders urging EPA to act before November 1.
This is an important step toward protecting Bexar County family budgets—and the work continues.
Reconsideration is not a final decision. Testing remains scheduled for November 1 unless EPA or the state takes further action.
ANOTHER BURDEN ON BEXAR COUNTY FAMILIES
On November 1, 2026 -- two days before Election Day -- Bexar County activates its first-ever mandatory OBD vehicle emissions inspection program. Every owner of a gasoline-powered vehicle 2 to 24 model years old will be required to pass an emissions test before renewing their registration. If your vehicle fails, you cannot legally drive it until you complete repairs that can cost $1,500 or more for a passenger car and $2,500 or more for a truck or SUV. The most common repair -- catalytic converter replacement -- can cost $1,000 to $4,000 depending on your vehicle.
At a time when household budgets are already stretched, county leaders should be fighting to reduce burdens on working families — not adding more of them.
THE IMPACT IS NEGLIGIBLE. THE COST IS NOT.
The new emissions testing mandate adds another unnecessary burden on Bexar County families, seniors, small businesses, and working people who are already dealing with rising costs.
This mandate could affect more than 291,000 vehicles in Bexar County, forcing drivers to spend more time and money simply to keep their vehicles legally on the road.
If the environmental impact is negligible, then the cost to families is not justified. Government should have to prove that a new mandate delivers real, measurable results before asking taxpayers to pay more.
Bexar County needs practical, results-oriented leadership that protects taxpayers, respects working families, and pushes back against mandates that do not make sense for our community.
TCEQ's own word for the air quality benefit of this program:
NEGLIGIBLE
- Source: TCEQ Project 2025-013-SIP-NR, adopted September 24, 2025
- 73% to 78% of Bexar County ozone comes from outside the county. Pollution our vehicles did not create. Repairs our families will not benefit from.
- Is the impact meaningful or negligible?
HE KNEW. HE DID NOTHING. WORKING FAMILIES PAY.
Ron's PROMISE #1 — OCTOBER 2019
Ron Nirenberg stood on the City Council floor and promised San Antonio residents: “No ordinances and no mandates.”
Source: City Council B Session, October 2, 2019.
Ron's Promise #2 — OCTOBER 2019
He guaranteed the same climate action would come with a full cost-benefit analysis. No cost estimate was ever produced for the emissions mandate.
Source: City Council A Session, October 17, 2019.
THE BRIEFING
AACOG Executive Director Diane Rath testified that Nirenberg was personally briefed on the fee impact of the emissions mandate. He expressed concerns.
Then he did nothing.
THE SILENCE
The City of San Antonio was absent from both federal EPA dockets where Bexar County’s fate was decided. AACOG filed. Bexar County filed. The City — Ron’s city — filed nothing.
Dockets: EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0742 and EPA-R06-OAR-2023-0647.
WATCH RON’S BROKEN PROMISE
In 2019, Ron Nirenberg told San Antonio residents there would be no ordinances and no mandates. Today, Bexar County families are facing a costly emissions testing mandate.
THE SAME NIGHT — SAME PODIUM
While Ron Nirenberg was promising “no ordinances and no mandates,” Patrick was warning about the real cost of government decisions that ignore working families.
Ron’s Approach
Promise there will be no mandates, then stay silent when families are left with the bill.
Patrick’s Approach
Demand accountability, protect taxpayers, and ask what government mandates will really cost.
BOTTOM LINE
Ron Nirenberg is now running for Bexar County Judge — the office with authority to fight this mandate. He had 7 years to act. He chose silence. Now he wants a promotion.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Bexar County families should not be left paying the price for another costly mandate. Contact the officials involved and ask them to fight for relief.
Sign the Petition to Protect Bexar County Drivers
A Bexar County resident has launched a petition asking President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to grant Section 179B relief—or pause the November 1 emissions-testing mandate before it takes effect.
SIGN THE PETITION →The petition will open in a new window on Change.org.
Your City Council Member
San Antonio City Council voted to adopt the climate plan that triggered this mandate. Ask your council member what they are doing to protect drivers.
Contact City Council →Bexar County Commissioners
The County Judge and Commissioners Court have authority to advocate for relief from this mandate. Ask them to fight for Bexar County families.
Contact Commissioners Court →Your State Legislators
Ask your state representative and senator to support Section 179B relief for Bexar County — the same relief already granted to Phoenix, Arizona.
Find Your Legislators →TCEQ & EPA
File a public comment with TCEQ or contact EPA Region 6 to voice your concerns about this mandate.
Submit Public Comment →EPA Region 6 phone: (214) 665-7212
PATRICK’S PLAN TO FIGHT THIS MANDATE
Patrick will pursue practical relief for Bexar County drivers and demand accountability before families are forced to pay more.
Pursue Section 179B Federal Relief
Fight for the same type of relief already granted to Phoenix, Arizona, and push federal officials to recognize Bexar County’s unique position.
Demand a Real Cost-Benefit Analysis
Require clear public accounting of the true costs to drivers, families, small businesses, and taxpayers.
Protect Working Families
Advocate for relief, exemptions, or alternatives that prevent families from being punished by unaffordable repair costs.
Hold Government Accountable
Push back against mandates that are imposed without transparency, without proven results, and without regard for the people paying the bill.