A Pennsylvania judge recently ordered the state to reduce vehicular emissions, which could lead to mandatory emissions testing for vehicles in Centre County and 15 other counties as early as May. The testing could increase the cost of a car inspection by $25 to $50.

The increased cost of testing is a small price to pay if it means protecting the environment. College students -- especially those of us who can afford only older cars -- might balk at the proposed change. But it's common sense that excessive emissions from cars can harm plants and animals, including people.

Emissions testing could force people to take measures such as installing new air filters, which would benefit everyone.

However, it would make more sense to require the testing statewide, rather than on a county-by-county basis.

Although some counties have higher populations and therefore more problems with pollution, a person shouldn't have a free pass to pollute just because he or she lives in a more rural county.

In a similar vein, it seems unfair to require someone to shell out $25 to $50 extra dollars just because he or she happens to live in a more populous area.

This is especially important in Centre County, an area that draws thousands of visitors each year. Even if Centre County makes its standards more strict, students and others who are living in the county temporarily would not have to drive emissions-inspected cars if their vehicles are registered in counties that don't require the testing.

With the vehicles being driven around the county 32 weeks out of the year, the efforts to protect the environment in this area would be less effective.

Statewide testing would be more fair and would reduce confusion. Vehicles with tailpipes that spew streams of dark fumes might be pulled over by police, only to be let go because the vehicle is registered in a county that does not require emissions testing.

A statewide standard would be easier to enforce. Centre County does not have to wait for a judge's order to reduce emissions.

It can encourage carpooling and public transportation, make roads more accessible for bikes, and remind car owners of simple, low-cost ways to reduce their emissions, such as regularly changing their air filters.