ASA leaders discuss new auto refinishing regulation with EPA

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.