WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new proposed auto refinishing regulation that outlines national emission standards for area sources engaged in paint stripping and various surface coating operations. Specifically included in the regulation are stricter requirements regarding toxic standards for smaller emitting sources in three industry sectors: paint stripping operations that use methylene chloride (MeCl)-containing paint stripping formulation, surface coating that involves paints containing metal HAP compounds, and auto body refinishing. The new rule would require existing area sources affected by the rule to implement these standards. Area sources are defined as those that have the potential to emit less than 10 tons per year of a single toxic air pollutant or less than 25 tons per year of any combination of toxic air pollutants. Through compliance, these practices are designed to reduce overall toxic material consumption, which generally result in savings for the facility involved. This proposed regulation is a result of the Clean Air Act of 1990, which requires the U.S. EPA to identify sources that emit one or more of the 188 listed toxic air pollutants. The air toxics involved in these source categories include MeCl, and metal compounds containing cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel. Bob Redding, the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA’s) Washington, D.C., representative says: “ASA leaders are reviewing the regulation and will submit comments within the formal comment period.” To view the full text of the proposed rule and the fact sheet, visit ASA’s legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.
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