Taking The Hill
By Matthew T. Brown Legislation would penalize "upwind" polluters
Additional clean air legislation, H.R. 2328, has been introduced by Congressman Gary Condit (D-Calif.). This legislation would penalize areas that contribute to air quality violations "downwind." If enacted, states would be able to determine what "upwind" areas contribute to violations in other areas and require those areas to either reduce emissions or make payments for pollution control measures downwind. Provisions in this legislation also would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator to determine what states significantly contribute to air quality violations in other states. A state that is determined to significantly contribute to violations in another state or states would be required to reduce emissions or pay for pollution control measures in the downwind state. The legislation also would require enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in moderate attainment areas that either cause or significantly contribute to air quality violations downwind.Antifreeze
As a member of the Antifreeze Coalition, ASA is concerned with both national and state initiatives dealing with antifreeze. A compromise has been reached on a California bill, AB 178, that would eliminate provisions that direct a state agency to set quality standards and eliminate labeling requirements for recycled antifreeze. The existing quality standards and labeling requirements will continue to apply. Under the compromise, provisions in the bill raise the maximum chloride content for recycled antifreeze to 200 ppm through Jan. 1, 2000.Clean air
Although legislation has been introduced into both houses of Congress to place a moratorium on the EPA's new regulations on ozone and particulate matter, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) claim to have the support of more than 145 of their colleagues to make sure that the new clean air regulations are upheld. This number of members is enough to ensure that Congress cannot override a veto by President Clinton. This legislation would delay the implementation of the new regulations and provide for additional review and air quality monitoring. If implemented, the new regulations will lower the present standard for ozone to 0.08 parts per million and target particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter.Budget agreement
Both the White House and the Congress have taken credit for the new Balanced Budget Agreement that promises to balance the budget and reduce taxes at the same time. Providing tax relief has been called the "crown jewel" of the Republican's Contract With America, and some of these provisions will positively impact small business owners. The estate tax individual exemption will increase from $600,000 to $1,000,000 over 10 years and the capital gains tax is reduced from 28 percent to 20 percent. The health insurance deduction for self-employed persons will increase from 40 percent to 100 percent by 2007. An additional provision transfers the federal 4.3 cents per gallon tax approved as part of the 1993 deficit reduction package from the general fund to the Highway Trust Fund.Salvage titling legislation
Members of the vehicle aftermarket are sharing their concerns about the salvage legislation H.R. 1829 and S. 852 with members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. While ASA supports the effort to create uniform motor vehicle titling and to define "salvage vehicle," it is concerned about a few of the bill's provisions. ASA is working with members of Congress to ensure that the bill addresses specific concerns. The House Commerce Committee has added a provision that decreases the value of vehicles included in the definition of salvage from $10,000 to $7,500. ASA is hopeful that the House will return to the $10,000 figure that was included in the original bill language. An additional provision that ASA is working to correct is one that expands the number of vehicles covered in the definition to include those that are seven model years old at the time of the accident. ASA would like the model year number reduced.ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page
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AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 10, October 1997