Contact:	Bob Redding (202) 543-1440
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 00.01 January 20, 2000

Pennsylvania Cuts Auto Paint Emissions

Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2000 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has finalized new regulations aimed at reducing air emissions by requiring automobile refinishers to use high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint guns.

"ASA has worked long and hard with the DEP to implement this new rule," said Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative. "Although the enforcement provisions are not what we would have chosen, we do appreciate this first step to putting auto paint in the hands of professionals.

There are an estimated 4,000 automobile refinishers in Pennsylvania which will have to comply with the new regulation. Refinishers have until Nov. 27, to switch from the traditional air-atomized guns to HVLP guns or other equipment that applies paint more efficiently. Officials at the DEP claim that the new guns apply paint more accurately, saving paint and reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other pollutants.

The switch to cleaner paint guns will cost about $500 apiece, but officials claim that after the initial investment, auto refinishers will save thousands of dollars a year in labor and materials. The new guns will also cut emissions of VOCs and other air pollutants by an estimated 400 tons per year.

DEP officials have also said that a new regulation requiring refinishers to clean their paint guns in an enclosed system could remove an additional 180 tons per year of hazardous air pollutants.

"This regulation is good thing," continued Redding. "It will not only be cost effective in the long run and reduce emissions significantly, it will also help ensure that only those properly trained will be painting vehicles."

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving more than 13,000 businesses and approximately 70,000 professionals 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. Additional information about ASA, including past news releases, is available on the ASA Web Site on the Internet (http://www.asashop.org).