Contact:	Caroline Fuller (202) 543-1440 c.fuller@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 06.23 July 27, 2006

Report Cites EPA's Failure to Limit Most Toxic Air Emissions

Washington, D.C., July 27, 2006 — The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report this week citing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) failure to adequately execute its program to limit toxic air emissions.

According to the GAO report, of the 453 requirements outlined in the 1990 update of the Clean Air Act for the EPA, 12 were completed on schedule, 202 were met late, 89 are past due and have yet to be met, and 150 have not been met but are not yet due. The report stated, "As a result of EPA's limited progress, the agency has not identified and reduced health risks from air toxics to the extent and in the time frame envisioned in the act."

A statement was released by EPA saying the administration "is committed to protecting public health and the environment by continuing to improve our air quality." The statement went on to mention that gross domestic product has increased 195 percent since 1970 while emissions have dropped roughly 53 percent. This includes a 12.2 percent reduction in 2000 and a 3 percent reduction from 2003-2004. The EPA also estimates that toxic air emissions are expected to be reduced by approximately 1.7 million tons annually, beginning in 2007. 2007 is when industrial facilities are expected to comply with air toxics emission limits.

Eleven congressional democrats requested this report from GAO including Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking minority member. Sen. James Jeffords, I-Vt., Senate Environment and Public Works ranking minority member, also requested the report as did Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine.

The GAO report can be found on the Automotive Service Association's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair 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.

###