Contact:	Caroline Holland (202) 543-1440 c.holland@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-53 September 25, 2007

ASA Supports EPA's Proposed Auto Refinishing Regulation

Independent Repairers, Consumers Urged to Send Letters of Support before Oct. 17

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2007 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following the Sept. 17, 2007, publication of the proposed national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants. This regulation proposes national emission standards for area sources engaged in paint stripping and various surface coating operations.

ASA was involved in preliminary discussions with the EPA as data was gathered for the regulation. During this time, ASA urged the EPA to consider training qualifications, equipment requirements and enforcement as three critical components of the regulation. ASA believes that this proposed regulation adequately addresses these elements.

The proposed regulation is a result of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which required the identification of toxic air pollutants including MeCl, and metal compounds containing cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel, all of which are addressed in these source categories. Through enforcement of this regulation, air quality will be improved, positively affecting independent automotive repairers and consumers.

"ASA supports the EPA's proposed auto refinishing regulation," said Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative. "The EPA spent a great deal of time researching this issue and visiting collision repair facilities. The agency also listened to what collision repairers had to say about regulating the use of these products. We urge repairers to submit comments supporting the regulation to the EPA during the brief comment period."

ASA urges all independent repairers and consumers to send their own letter to the EPA in support of this proposed regulation. To send a letter, visit ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. Instructions for sending a letter of support can be found under "Legislative Alert Center" in the left column. Comments must be received on or before Oct. 17.

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.

###