Taking The Hill
By Matthew T. Brown NACE press conference and Florida initiative
At NACE 1997, ASA announced plans to pursue legislation at both the state and national levels to regulate the use of replacement crash parts. This move is to encourage states to adopt laws requiring consumer disclosure and consent prior to the installation of replacement crash parts. ASA offered its disclosure and consent form that was composed during two automotive industry summit meetings as a model. Participants at the summit meetings included ASA, domestic and import automobile manufacturers, aftermarket crash parts manufacturers and automotive recyclers.In most states, insurance companies and collision repair centers are typically not required to notify consumers of the types of parts used in vehicle repairs. For many consumers, their second largest investment is the purchase or lease of vehicles, and they may have no idea of the different types of parts that can be used or recommended for repairs.
When ASA met recently with Florida officials, it was the first in a series of what ASA hopes is a national movement to discuss written disclosure and consent, which is part of ASA's initiative. Attendees included James R. Kelly, director of the Division of Consumer Services; Jim Naff, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services director of legislative affairs; and Tom Terfinko, Department of Insurance Consumer Assistance Division chief.
Particulate monitoring network
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to accelerate the completion of the nationwide particulate monitoring network. This move could mean that the implementation of the new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter announced by EPA and supported by President Clinton could be implemented earlier than expected.EPA finalized new regulations for ozone and particulate matter on Sept. 18, 1997, which lower the present standard for ozone from 0.12 parts-per-million to 0.08 parts-per-million and target particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Although the Clinton administration is committed to the new regulations, it has promised flexible implementation and maximum state involvement.
Implementation of the requirements for fine particulate matter were to be delayed for five years until a national monitoring network could be completed. The delay would give cities time to develop plans to re-duce pollution. EPA previously announced that the monitoring network would be in place by 2000, and this early action could mean it would be ready by 1999. Three years after the network is completed and accurate data is collected about particulate matter concentrations in the nation's cities, states would be asked to identify which areas do not comply with the new standards. EPA would then require the states to develop and implement State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to reduce particulate matter concentrations to work toward compliance with the standards.
To build the monitoring network, EPA will ask Congress for approximately $70 million for fiscal year 1999. Already, $35 million was appropriated for fiscal 1998. It is uncertain, however, if Congress will provide the necessary funds.
OBD regulations
EPA has notified automobile manufacturers that they may rely on California's on-board diagnostic (OBD) requirements for certification until final EPA regulations for OBD are released early next year.This action allays industry fears that automobile sales would be blocked because vehicle manufacturers could not certify compliance with regulations that are currently being developed. The OBD system is a key component of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
In addition to compliance with the California standards, vehicle manufacturers will have to certify that their vehicle's OBD systems fully comply with the intent of the Clean Air Act.
Bliley investigates EPA consistency
In response to a report by the EPA inspector general, which highlights EPA's inconsistency in enforcement action throughout the nation, House Commerce Committee Chairman Thomas Bliley (R-Va.) has begun an investigation of EPA's regional organization and its effectiveness.The inspector general's report found huge disparities between penalties assessed and EPA enforcement action throughout the nation. While Region 5 assessed $6 million in penalties, Region 6 assessed just over $100,000. The average penalty assessed in Texas was $21,990 and the average in Michigan was $68,285.
Political climates, limited resources, and delegate agencies' lack of administrative authority and limited legal support were all cited as reasons for inconsistent implementation of the Clean Air Act. The report recommended more efficient use of limited resources and assisting the delegated agencies in obtaining more administrative authority from state legislatures.
The committee might recommend fundamental changes in the regional organization if it finds that the current organizational structure is not effective.
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U.S. Congress Set to Debate Kyoto Agreement || Paint Manufacturer and Body Shop: An Evolving Relationship || Scoring a Hat Trick with Alternative Fuels || Attracting Students to the Automotive Service Industry || Guest Editorial: Getting back in the game || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLVI, February 1998