Below you will find various press release references and bill texts.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has determined that widespread use of electronic accident prevention systems in vehicles could prevent over 48 percent of rear-end, run-off-road, and lane change crashes.  This finding resulted from the Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) initiative report that described the government plan to introduce these safety systems in new cars.  To view the report, click here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has amended Hazardous Waste rule No. F019 to encourage use of aluminum in automobile construction. This final rule, which became effective on July 7, applies to wastewater treatment sludge produced when manufacturing aluminum. For more information, click here.

In 1992, Congress passed legislation that created the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).  Congress failed to meet the January 1998 deadline of implementing this national database. Therefore, a coalition of consumer protection, law enforcement and automotive industry representatives sent a letter to the DOJ on May 20 urging them to make this rulemaking a priority.  To view the letter sent by ASA and other industry groups, click here. 

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano vetoed HB 2017 that attempted to block state agencies from enacting vehicle emissions regulations without specific legislative authorization from the Arizona legislature. Gov. Napolitano released a letter addressed to Arizona Speaker of the House Jim Weiers in which she justified the veto. To view the letter, click here. 

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) held a workshop on May 15, 2008, titled, “Cool Paints and Solar Reflective Glazing.” The purpose of the workshop was to discuss approaches to reduce emissions from mobile air conditioners, including solar reflective paints and window glazing. Discussion focused on the planned regulatory approach for these reductions that resulted from California Assembly Bill 32. To view the draft regulatory language, click here. 

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland issued an executive order May 2, 2008, which extended Ohio’s Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. The program, known as “E-Check,” was set to expire June 30, 2008. After consultation with the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Strickland determined that the E-Check program is still needed in certain regions of the state.

While he noted the measurable progress made in achieving cleaner air in Ohio, the governor notes seven counties that are still out of compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act. Therefore, he extended Ohio’s E-Check program through June 30, 2009. To view or download the executive order, click here.  

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter marked the Earth Day celebration last week by issuing an executive order establishing a standard for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To view the executive order, click here.

The U.S. Treasury Department has released a Blueprint for a stronger regulatory structure that aims to strengthen consumer protections and improve market stability. To view the Fact Sheet on the Treasury Department Report, click here.

U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson addressed key members of Congress in a letter on March 27 in which he addressed his plans to expand rulemaking on greenhouse gas issues.

To view letter No. 1, click here.
To view letter No. 2, click here.

South Dakota Senate Bill 103, introduced by state Sen. Nancy Turbak, aims to establish certification provisions regarding the use of replacement crash parts in the repair of certain motor vehicles. ASA opposes such state parts certification bills believing the vehicle owner should have notice and consent in writing to the use of replacement crash parts. ASA believes consumers and shops lose with these types of parts policies. To view the bill, click here. To send a letter in opposition, click here.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca.), chair of the Senate appropriations panel has urged the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in a letter on January 2, 2008 to investigate EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson's decision to deny California's Clean Car Act waiver.

To view the letter, click here.

Allstate Insurance Company has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in regard to the Texas statute prohibiting insurance companies from owning collision repair shops. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) also filed a response.

To view the appeal, click here.

For ASA's response, click here.

To view Allstate's reply brief, click here.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a global warming bill on December 5, 2007. To view the Lieberman Warner Climate Security Act, Senate Bill 2191, click here.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a proposed rule for a new fit-testing protocol under its Respiratory Protection standard. To view the proposed rule, click here.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 1216, the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007. This bill directs the secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to reduce the incidence of child injury and death occurring inside or outside of light motor vehicles. To view the bill, click here.

The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board held a hearing on November 14 at the New Mexico State Capitol Building in Santa Fe. The purpose of the meeting was to take public comment on the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) proposal to adopt emissions standards for new motor vehicles. To view the proposed regulation, click here.

The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) in California approved the final regulation orders for the OBDII and emission warranty regulations on November 9. To view the final regulation order including changes to section 1968.2, click here.

The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed the U.S. government's new federal fuel economy standards for many sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and pickup trucks in a ruling on November 15. To view this opinion, click here.

After review in the House Judiciary Committee, the House passed H.R. 3678, which extends the moratorium on internet taxes for 4 years, by a 405-2 vote.

Click here to view H.R. 3678.

To view the direct final rule and directions for submitting comments, as published in the Federal Register, click here.

Senate Bill 2040, introduced by Sens. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., and Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance tax incentives for small property/casualty insurance companies. To read the full text of this bill, click here.

Reps. Klein, D-Fl. and Mahoney, D-Fl. have sponsored House Bill 3355, legislation that would allow states to voluntarily pool risks and invest them in the private market through bonds, which could then be purchased by investors. To view the full text of this bill, click here.