Contact:	Clarence Mills (202) 543-1440 c.mills@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-70 December 11, 2008

House Passes Auto Industry Bailout Legislation

Leaders Drop Greenhouse Gas Provisions

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2008 - The U.S. House of Representatives passed, last evening, the automotive manufacturer financial assistance legislation, H.R. 7321. Controversial language prohibiting participating automakers from using funds to challenge state vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations was dropped.

Draft legislation included language prohibiting the use of bailout funds by the Big Three "from participating in, pursuing, funding or supporting in any way any legal challenge (existing or contemplated) to state laws concerning greenhouse gas emission standards," thus terminating automakers' participation in state lawsuits against adopting such standards.

While the Automotive Service Association supports clean car programs that are practical and cost effective, it does not support state GHG programs that contain zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) super-warranty provisions because they have a negative economic impact on independent repairers and the automotive industry, as well as limit the choices of repair for consumers.

America's independent automotive repairers often provide a less-expensive repair alternative to consumers, and are more conveniently located in many rural areas than automotive dealerships. Independent facilities repair approximately 75 percent of all vehicles out of warranty. Most consumers use the franchised dealer network for warranty repairs, and then select their neighborhood repair facility once the vehicle is out of warranty.

To view this bill, visit ASA'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.

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