Taking The Hill
by Stephen B. McDonald, ASA Government Affairs Consultant Clean Air Bill Introduced
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) has introduced legislation to make reforms to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The bill, H.R. 3519, is the result of 10 hearings during the last 17 months on the implementation of the Clean Air Act. In crafting the bill, Barton indicated that he drew from reforms on which there was substantial bipartisan agreement in the Commerce subcommittee he chairs. Among other things, the measure allows states to use alternative enforcement mechanisms to ensure that all vehicles subject to emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) are tested. In addition, the bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve state emission trading programs as long as they do not result in an area failing to reach an applicable attainment deadline, or result in an increase in emissions. The legislation does not change the timetable or air quality standards of the Clean Air Act.ASA Issues Comments To Auto Refinish Rule
In comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Automotive Service Association (ASA) implored the agency to consider establishing the procedural means to limit the transfer of automotive products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to those who are properly trained and certified to sell, apply and dispose of such products. ASA was responding to a proposed regulation establishing standards to reduce VOC emissions from the use of refinish coatings. The rule will apply to vehicle refinish coatings manufactured or imported for sale in the United States. After the rule is final, paint manufacturers would be forced to comply with VOC grams-per-liter limits for each refinish product category.National Skill Standards Board Holds Hearing
The National Skill Standards Board, established to encourage the creation and adoption of a national system of skill standards, held a hearing to solicit comments from affected industries. In testimony to the panel, Automotive Service Association (ASA) Chairman Don Seyfer endorsed effective programs of voluntary accreditation and certification to address challenges of workforce development. The board believes that skill standards are necessary to enhance the ability of the United States to compete effectively in a global economy. These voluntary skill standards will be developed by industry in full partnership with education, labor and community stakeholders, and will be flexible, portable and continuously updated and improved.EPA Small Business Compliance Policy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final policy on compliance incentives for small businesses. The policy is intended to promote environmental compliance among small businesses by providing them with incentives to participate in compliance assistance programs or to conduct environmental audits and then promptly correct violations. The EPA will refrain from initiating an enforcement action seeking civil penalties whenever a small business makes a good faith effort to comply with environmental requirements. Conditions in the policy require that a violation is the small business’s first of a particular requirement; does not involve criminal conduct; has not and is not causing a significant health, safety or environmental threat or harm; and is remedied within the corrections period.ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page
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Guest Editorial || Diversifying Your Collision Shop || National VOC Rule Sparks Congressional Interest
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLIV No. 8, August 1996