I'm sure state emissions tests in general will get rejiggered to gig anyone who doesn't get the "fix," but if you're not going to be faced with any test then, no, you have no reason to get it, and I wouldn't.
First a general question whether a diesel engine can be modified to run on Propane, a CLEAN fuel. This is a pricey mod for any gasoline engine, but is viable, as the vehicle is then smog-exempt for its lifetime. I speak from experience- I run a Ford van modified in 1981, runs trouble-free and the engine seems wear-free.
Propane fuel is priced about the same as regular gas, tho one is obliged to scope out fuel sources for out-of-town trips; it does seem that any small town and equipment rental yard works. So, I like to speculate that a VW Vanagan might appear at a bargain price, and modded to be legal and clean, even here in sunny CA. Does this look likely to others out there?
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.