Contact:	Caroline Holland (202) 543-1440 c.holland@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-23 April 29, 2008

CARB Announces
Vehicle Retirement Program Workshop

Public Workshop to Consider Development of Enhanced Fleet Modernization Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2008 - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has scheduled a workshop for May 23 to present and receive comments on the development of a regulation for a new voluntary vehicle retirement program. The Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) was authorized by Assembly Bill 118 and will be administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).

Assembly Bill 118, sponsored by California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, was signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) last October. This legislation provides approximately $200 million annually through 2015 to fund three new air quality improvement projects – the Air Quality Improvement Program, the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program and the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program. Additionally, such funds will be used to develop and employ technology as well as alternative and renewable fuels. Revenues for the programs are generated via increases to the smog abatement, vehicle registration and vessel registration fees.

The Automotive Service Association opposes vehicle retirement programs that do not include consumer repair options.

To view the text of California Assembly Bill 118, visit ASA’s legislative Web site. The bill can be found under the “Track Legislation” navigation button by clicking on “State Bills.”

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.

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