Contact:	Clarence Mills (202) 543-1440 c.mills@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-66 October 12, 2009

EPA Designates 31 New Nonattainment Areas

View Areas on www.TakingTheHill.com

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 12, 2009 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated 31 areas throughout the United States as not meeting federal standards for particulate matter. The EPA aims to decrease the harm caused by exposure to fine particle pollution, which has been linked to breathing problems, heart attacks and premature death. The agency notes that particulate matter is most commonly emitted by power plants, factories and motor vehicles.

These new nonattainment areas, which are designated because selected pollutants exceed federal standards, consist of 120 full or partial counties. Affected states and tribes will be required to take steps to reduce the types of pollution that form fine particles. The majority of U.S. counties and tribal lands are meeting current standards, but will need to continue their efforts to maintain clear air.

The Automotive Service Association supports national motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance and has encouraged the U.S. Congress to consider a national program.

To view a map of these areas, please visit ASA's legislative Web site at 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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