Automotive Service
Association (ASA) collision leaders met recently
with top U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Office of Compliance officials to discuss the EPA
automotive refinishing regulation. In addition, ASA
members briefed members of Congress on the new paint
regulation during visits on Capitol Hill.
ASA supports the EPA auto refinishing
regulation but has been concerned about some enforcement
efforts in specific areas of the country. Some state
environmental agencies have taken responsibility for
enforcement of the regulation while others are leaving
compliance matters to the U.S. EPA. This enforcement
diversity has created some issues relative to the
regulation. ASA’s collision leadership briefed the EPA
on these issues.
One of the ongoing concerns is the
regulation exemption for “Coatings applied from a hand-
held device with a paint cup capacity that is equal to
or less than 3.0 fluid ounces.” ASA worked with the U.S.
EPA in Research Triangle, N.C., and in Washington, D.C.,
in preparing background for the auto refinishing
regulation. ASA hosted the EPA at its trade show, the
International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE),
and in various ASA member shops around the country to
help educate the EPA about shop systems, training and
proper equipment. ASA will continue to work with EPA and
state agencies on compliance issues for the auto
refinishing regulation.
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 website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
