The program, which has come under fire before, is an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, who spend an estimated $9 million a year on tests and related repairs to ensure Anchorage is in compliance with federal air quality standards, Sullivan said.

The mayor said newer vehicles are simply cleaner than those of yesteryear and the vast majority of vehicles pass testing without a hitch.

"We're essentially taxing all residents of the city for such a very, very small percentage of cars that don't pass the test," Sullivan said. "I think it's time to recognize that the program did what it was supposed to do. Our air quality is so vastly improved with the new car standards, as older cars get replaced with newer cars. It really is no longer a problem in Anchorage."