ASA, ASA-Washington Ask Repairers to Oppose Washington Hybrid Vehicle Legislation
Washington, D.C., March 11, 2005 — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Washington state affiliate, ASA-Washington, are asking all independent repair shop owners in Washington to contact their state senators and representatives to request that they oppose Senate Bill 5397 and House Bill 1397.
Washington Senate Bill 5397 was introduced by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Silverdale, and House Bill 1397 was introduced by Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle. If passed, both bills would change Washington's vehicle emission standards and would implement the California vehicle emission standards that include a 15-year/150,000-mile super warranty.
"It is critical for all repairers in Washington to contact their senators and representatives as soon as possible," said Jeff Lovell, executive director, ASA-Washington. "This is the most important piece of legislation the Washington legislature has considered in recent years and will greatly affect the independent repair shop business in Washington."
Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative, said, "Super warranties will have a long-term negative effect on Washington independent repairers. Although the legislation takes effect in 2009, by 2010, 57 percent of the vehicles in Washington could carry a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty. Independent shops will virtually be excluded from the repair process.
"Independent auto repair shops, at present, perform approximately 75 percent of all non-warranty repairs in Washington. Increasing the impact even more, the legislation eliminates emission inspection and maintenance programs beginning in 2009."
ASA encourages repair professionals in the state of Washington to go ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com, to contact a Washington state representative or senator, or to read the White Paper on Washington's vehicle emissions legislation.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.
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