NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 8, 2006House Subcommittee Holds
Antifreeze Hearing WASHINGTON (June 5, 2006) - The Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing May 23 to discuss antifreeze bittering agents. On the agenda was H.R. 2567, a bill to amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require engine coolant and antifreeze to contain bittering agents to render them unpalatable. Introduced in May 2005 by Representative Gary Ackerman (D-NY), H.R. 2567 was immediately referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it was then sent to the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. Testifying before the subcommittee were Jim Wells, division director of the Chemical Control Division Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Jeffery Bye, vice president of Prestone Honeywell International Inc.; Patrice L. Simms, senior project attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; Sarah Amundson, deputy and legislative director, Doris Day Animal League; Melinda Eyrich, D.V.M., Urgent Care Veterinarian Hospital; and Tom Bonacquisti, director of water quality and production, Fairfax County Water Authority. Transcripts of the testimony or the text of H.R. 2567 is available online at ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. (Source: ASA) Government To Refund Long-Distance Telephone Excise Tax Key Facts Regarding Long Distance
Tax Refunds * No immediate action is required by taxpayers.
* Refunds will be a part of 2006 tax returns filed in 2007.
* Refund claims will cover all excise tax paid on long-distance service over the last three years (time allowed given statute of limitations). Interest will be paid on refunds.
* The IRS is working on a simplified method for individuals to use to claim a refund on their 2006 tax returns.
* Refunds will not include tax paid on local telephone service, which was not involved in the litigation. WASHINGTON (June 1, 2006) - The U.S. Treasury Department today announced it is conceding the legal dispute over the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone service. The Department of Justice will no longer pursue litigation and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will issue refunds of tax on long-distance service for the past three years. Taxpayers will be able to apply for refunds on their 2006 tax forms, to be filed in 2007. The excise tax was originally established in 1898 as a "luxury" tax on wealthy Americans who owned telephones to help fund the Spanish-American war. The Federal Appeals courts spoke across the board, Treasury Secretary John Snow stated. The federal excise tax on telephone calls is not compatible with today's modern information-age society. "Today is a good day for American taxpayers; it marks the beginning of the end of an outdated, antiquated tax that has survived a century beyond its original purpose, and by now should have been ancient history," Snow said. "In addition to ending the litigation, I would like to call on Congress to terminate the remainder of this antique tax, by repealing the excise tax on local service as well." (Source: U.S. Treasury Department)Honda Develops Bio-Fabric For
Auto Interiors
Antifreeze Hearing WASHINGTON (June 5, 2006) - The Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing May 23 to discuss antifreeze bittering agents. On the agenda was H.R. 2567, a bill to amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require engine coolant and antifreeze to contain bittering agents to render them unpalatable. Introduced in May 2005 by Representative Gary Ackerman (D-NY), H.R. 2567 was immediately referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it was then sent to the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. Testifying before the subcommittee were Jim Wells, division director of the Chemical Control Division Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Jeffery Bye, vice president of Prestone Honeywell International Inc.; Patrice L. Simms, senior project attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; Sarah Amundson, deputy and legislative director, Doris Day Animal League; Melinda Eyrich, D.V.M., Urgent Care Veterinarian Hospital; and Tom Bonacquisti, director of water quality and production, Fairfax County Water Authority. Transcripts of the testimony or the text of H.R. 2567 is available online at ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. (Source: ASA) Government To Refund Long-Distance Telephone Excise Tax Key Facts Regarding Long Distance
Tax Refunds * No immediate action is required by taxpayers.
* Refunds will be a part of 2006 tax returns filed in 2007.
* Refund claims will cover all excise tax paid on long-distance service over the last three years (time allowed given statute of limitations). Interest will be paid on refunds.
* The IRS is working on a simplified method for individuals to use to claim a refund on their 2006 tax returns.
* Refunds will not include tax paid on local telephone service, which was not involved in the litigation. WASHINGTON (June 1, 2006) - The U.S. Treasury Department today announced it is conceding the legal dispute over the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone service. The Department of Justice will no longer pursue litigation and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will issue refunds of tax on long-distance service for the past three years. Taxpayers will be able to apply for refunds on their 2006 tax forms, to be filed in 2007. The excise tax was originally established in 1898 as a "luxury" tax on wealthy Americans who owned telephones to help fund the Spanish-American war. The Federal Appeals courts spoke across the board, Treasury Secretary John Snow stated. The federal excise tax on telephone calls is not compatible with today's modern information-age society. "Today is a good day for American taxpayers; it marks the beginning of the end of an outdated, antiquated tax that has survived a century beyond its original purpose, and by now should have been ancient history," Snow said. "In addition to ending the litigation, I would like to call on Congress to terminate the remainder of this antique tax, by repealing the excise tax on local service as well." (Source: U.S. Treasury Department)Honda Develops Bio-Fabric For
Auto Interiors
Car seat with the new bio-fabric and a spool of bio-fabric.
(Photo: Honda) TOKYO (June 1, 2006) - Honda Motor Co. has announced it has succeeded in developing bio-fabric - a plant-based fabric with excellent durability and resistance to sunlight - for use as a surface material in automobile interiors. Bio-fabric offers the benefit of offsetting CO2 emissions produced during incineration in the disposal stage with CO2 absorption that occurs during the growth stage of the plants that are used as raw materials. Honda says that this new bio-fabric is appropriate for the surface of automobile interiors. It provides a soft and smooth material, high durability and resistance to sunlight-based color fading after prolonged use. In addition to seat surfaces, this bio-fabric can be used for the interior surface of the doors and roof and for floor mats. Honda displayed several automobile interior components using the new fabric at the JSAE Automotive Engineering Exposition held last week in Yokohama. The automaker said it will install these bio-fabric interiors in its all-new fuel cell vehicle which will be introduced to the market shortly. (Source: Honda)Save Money And Stay Cool WASHINGTON (June 2, 2006) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its Energy Star program has new tools and tips for homeowners and businesses to keep money in their pockets, be comfortable and protect the environment. Through Energy Star, Americans saved $12 billion in energy costs in 2005, says the Agency, and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million vehicles. "Energy efficient products with the blue Energy Star label are helping meet President Bush's priority of improving the nation's environmental and energy security," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By preserving our resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, America's families can make sure skyrocketing temperatures don't have to lead to skyrocketing energy bills." The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. EPA's new interactive tool, Energy Star @ Home, shows consumers how they can make energy-efficient improvements in each room of their home. The home tool is available at the Energy Start Web site. EPA also has advice for businesses to save energy and money this summer. Did you know that programming the thermostat to turn off the HVAC system at night and restart one hour prior to employee arrival can reduce your HVAC costs by as much as 30 percent and still make a comfortable work environment? Cooling and ventilating uses almost 20 percent of the energy in commercial buildings. EPA's Energy Star Challenge encourages businesses and other organizations to improve their energy efficiency by 10 percent or more by following five energy saving steps. These steps put your business on the path to significant savings, while helping to protect the environment this summer and beyond. These and other suggestions, tools and resources can be found online at the Energy Star Web site for businesses. EPA started the Energy Star program in 1992. It is a government-backed program helping businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. More than 8,000 organizations participate in the Energy Star program. (Source: EPA)
AAM Launches Alternative Fuel Educational Web Site WASHINGTON (June 3, 2006) - The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has launched a Web site dedicated to helping to educate automotive consumers about alternate fuel sources.
(Photo: Honda) TOKYO (June 1, 2006) - Honda Motor Co. has announced it has succeeded in developing bio-fabric - a plant-based fabric with excellent durability and resistance to sunlight - for use as a surface material in automobile interiors. Bio-fabric offers the benefit of offsetting CO2 emissions produced during incineration in the disposal stage with CO2 absorption that occurs during the growth stage of the plants that are used as raw materials. Honda says that this new bio-fabric is appropriate for the surface of automobile interiors. It provides a soft and smooth material, high durability and resistance to sunlight-based color fading after prolonged use. In addition to seat surfaces, this bio-fabric can be used for the interior surface of the doors and roof and for floor mats. Honda displayed several automobile interior components using the new fabric at the JSAE Automotive Engineering Exposition held last week in Yokohama. The automaker said it will install these bio-fabric interiors in its all-new fuel cell vehicle which will be introduced to the market shortly. (Source: Honda)Save Money And Stay Cool WASHINGTON (June 2, 2006) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its Energy Star program has new tools and tips for homeowners and businesses to keep money in their pockets, be comfortable and protect the environment. Through Energy Star, Americans saved $12 billion in energy costs in 2005, says the Agency, and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million vehicles. "Energy efficient products with the blue Energy Star label are helping meet President Bush's priority of improving the nation's environmental and energy security," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By preserving our resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, America's families can make sure skyrocketing temperatures don't have to lead to skyrocketing energy bills." The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. EPA's new interactive tool, Energy Star @ Home, shows consumers how they can make energy-efficient improvements in each room of their home. The home tool is available at the Energy Start Web site. EPA also has advice for businesses to save energy and money this summer. Did you know that programming the thermostat to turn off the HVAC system at night and restart one hour prior to employee arrival can reduce your HVAC costs by as much as 30 percent and still make a comfortable work environment? Cooling and ventilating uses almost 20 percent of the energy in commercial buildings. EPA's Energy Star Challenge encourages businesses and other organizations to improve their energy efficiency by 10 percent or more by following five energy saving steps. These steps put your business on the path to significant savings, while helping to protect the environment this summer and beyond. These and other suggestions, tools and resources can be found online at the Energy Star Web site for businesses. EPA started the Energy Star program in 1992. It is a government-backed program helping businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. More than 8,000 organizations participate in the Energy Star program. (Source: EPA)
AAM Launches Alternative Fuel Educational Web Site WASHINGTON (June 3, 2006) - The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has launched a Web site dedicated to helping to educate automotive consumers about alternate fuel sources.
Alternate Fuel Vehicles On The Road Today
(Graphic: AAM) The site provides readers a broad range of information, such as: * Types of alternative energy sources and how they work. * A breakdown of alternate fueled vehicles on the roads today, by state and type of fuel. * An up-to-date listing of over 40 vehicles models available today that use an alternate fuel source. * A listing of more than 35 other alternate fuel vehicles in development. * Useful government, association and industry links related to alternate fuels.(Source: AAM)A Hydrogen Future:
Closer Than We Think? WASHINGTON (June 1, 2006) - The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R.5143 - the Hydrogen Prize Act of 2006 - will establish a national prize competition to encourage the development of new technologies for hydrogen fuel cells. "The bill's rapid movement through the House shows that momentum is gathering toward a national commitment to the hydrogen economy," says bill sponsor Representative Bob Inglis (R-SC). Modeled after the Ansari X-Prize, awarded to the first private-sector spaceflight, the H-Prize will provide rewards in three categories to promote motivate and reward hydrogen research and development. * Four prizes of up to $1 million will be awarded every two years for technological advancement in the categories of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilization. * One prize of up to $4 million will be awarded every two years for working hydrogen vehicle prototypes that meet ambitious performance goals. * A grand prize consisting of a $10 million cash award, funded in whole or in part by federal contribution, will be awarded for "transformational technologies. "This is no science project. A hydrogen future is closer than we think," says Inglis. The bill has now been received in the U.S. Senate, had its second reading, and been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for consideration.(Source: Library of Congress)Subaru Patrol Car Hits
Washington State
(Graphic: AAM) The site provides readers a broad range of information, such as: * Types of alternative energy sources and how they work. * A breakdown of alternate fueled vehicles on the roads today, by state and type of fuel. * An up-to-date listing of over 40 vehicles models available today that use an alternate fuel source. * A listing of more than 35 other alternate fuel vehicles in development. * Useful government, association and industry links related to alternate fuels.(Source: AAM)A Hydrogen Future:
Closer Than We Think? WASHINGTON (June 1, 2006) - The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R.5143 - the Hydrogen Prize Act of 2006 - will establish a national prize competition to encourage the development of new technologies for hydrogen fuel cells. "The bill's rapid movement through the House shows that momentum is gathering toward a national commitment to the hydrogen economy," says bill sponsor Representative Bob Inglis (R-SC). Modeled after the Ansari X-Prize, awarded to the first private-sector spaceflight, the H-Prize will provide rewards in three categories to promote motivate and reward hydrogen research and development. * Four prizes of up to $1 million will be awarded every two years for technological advancement in the categories of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilization. * One prize of up to $4 million will be awarded every two years for working hydrogen vehicle prototypes that meet ambitious performance goals. * A grand prize consisting of a $10 million cash award, funded in whole or in part by federal contribution, will be awarded for "transformational technologies. "This is no science project. A hydrogen future is closer than we think," says Inglis. The bill has now been received in the U.S. Senate, had its second reading, and been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for consideration.(Source: Library of Congress)Subaru Patrol Car Hits
Washington State
Unmarked 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5
GT police vehicle.
(Photo: Subaru)SEATTLE (June 2, 2006) - The Kitsap County (WA) Sheriff's Office, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and Subaru have unveiled their latest effort in working together to enhance traffic safety: a brand new 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Sedan to be used as an unmarked traffic safety enforcement vehicle. The primary role of the vehicle will be to promote safety technology, conduct school zone enforcement and to combat aggressive driving. "We chose the Subaru Legacy because we were looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle with solid performance and handling capabilities," says Kitsap County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sergeant Mike Merrill. "We also needed a vehicle that could perform in all types of weather conditions that we experience here in the Northwest and we ultimately were impressed with the Subaru Legacy's active safety features and its high safety ratings." (Source: Subaru) Fines Raised For Violating
NHTSA's Safety Rules WASHINGTON - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) adjusted its civil fines to keep up with inflation. The maximum civil penalties for violations of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are now $6,000 for a single violation and no more than $16.375 million for a related series of violations. The potential penalties apply to companies that manufacture, sell or otherwise allow into commerce vehicles or equipment that violate a safety standard or pose a safety threat. NHTSA also has the right to impose civil penalties on companies that do not respond in a timely fashion to recall information requests. For more information, click here.(Source: SEMA)MACS Recommends A/C Procedures LANSDALE, PA (May 23, 2006) - The technical committee of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide board of directors has produced the "MACS Recommended Air Conditioning Inspection and Preventive Maintenance Procedures" document to provide information and guidance useful to both consumers and service specialists. The guide is designed to help consumers understand that many factors can affect mobile air conditioning (A/C) system operation and that early diagnosis of problems and proper service can help avoid component and system failures. The document also aids the service professional by providing a key checklist for checking system efficiency, integrity and performance. "As part of our role as the recognized global authority for mobile air conditioning and heat transfer MACS has issued the preventive maintenance document and previously the recommended service practices document as a technical reference to the automotive consumer and service professionals," explained Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer. The preventive maintenance and recommended service documents can be found on the MACS website by clicking on the MACS Service Procedures and Consumer Information tabs. (Source: MACS Worldwide)Discovery Launches
New Automotive Brand SILVER SPRING, MD (May 31, 2006) - Discovery Communications is launching a new multiplatform brand in the United States called TURBO. The new brand will cover everything motorized - from choppers and hot rods to boats and planes. According to Discovery Communications, a new 24-hour broadband channel will launch under the TURBO moniker on July 4, followed by a video-on-demand (VOD) offering in the fourth quarter 2006. In December of 2006, a TURBO block of programming will make its debut on TLC. "With the success that we've had with auto-engineering programming, and our ongoing efforts to create products that appeal to consumers on multiple platforms, Turbo is a natural extension," says Don Baer, senior executive vice president, Strategy & Development, Discovery Communications. "TURBO moves us aggressively towards providing content to enthusiasts whenever they want an adrenaline boost-online, on air or on demand." (Source: SEMA, Discovery Communications)
(Photo: Subaru)SEATTLE (June 2, 2006) - The Kitsap County (WA) Sheriff's Office, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and Subaru have unveiled their latest effort in working together to enhance traffic safety: a brand new 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Sedan to be used as an unmarked traffic safety enforcement vehicle. The primary role of the vehicle will be to promote safety technology, conduct school zone enforcement and to combat aggressive driving. "We chose the Subaru Legacy because we were looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle with solid performance and handling capabilities," says Kitsap County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sergeant Mike Merrill. "We also needed a vehicle that could perform in all types of weather conditions that we experience here in the Northwest and we ultimately were impressed with the Subaru Legacy's active safety features and its high safety ratings." (Source: Subaru) Fines Raised For Violating
NHTSA's Safety Rules WASHINGTON - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) adjusted its civil fines to keep up with inflation. The maximum civil penalties for violations of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are now $6,000 for a single violation and no more than $16.375 million for a related series of violations. The potential penalties apply to companies that manufacture, sell or otherwise allow into commerce vehicles or equipment that violate a safety standard or pose a safety threat. NHTSA also has the right to impose civil penalties on companies that do not respond in a timely fashion to recall information requests. For more information, click here.(Source: SEMA)MACS Recommends A/C Procedures LANSDALE, PA (May 23, 2006) - The technical committee of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide board of directors has produced the "MACS Recommended Air Conditioning Inspection and Preventive Maintenance Procedures" document to provide information and guidance useful to both consumers and service specialists. The guide is designed to help consumers understand that many factors can affect mobile air conditioning (A/C) system operation and that early diagnosis of problems and proper service can help avoid component and system failures. The document also aids the service professional by providing a key checklist for checking system efficiency, integrity and performance. "As part of our role as the recognized global authority for mobile air conditioning and heat transfer MACS has issued the preventive maintenance document and previously the recommended service practices document as a technical reference to the automotive consumer and service professionals," explained Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer. The preventive maintenance and recommended service documents can be found on the MACS website by clicking on the MACS Service Procedures and Consumer Information tabs. (Source: MACS Worldwide)Discovery Launches
New Automotive Brand SILVER SPRING, MD (May 31, 2006) - Discovery Communications is launching a new multiplatform brand in the United States called TURBO. The new brand will cover everything motorized - from choppers and hot rods to boats and planes. According to Discovery Communications, a new 24-hour broadband channel will launch under the TURBO moniker on July 4, followed by a video-on-demand (VOD) offering in the fourth quarter 2006. In December of 2006, a TURBO block of programming will make its debut on TLC. "With the success that we've had with auto-engineering programming, and our ongoing efforts to create products that appeal to consumers on multiple platforms, Turbo is a natural extension," says Don Baer, senior executive vice president, Strategy & Development, Discovery Communications. "TURBO moves us aggressively towards providing content to enthusiasts whenever they want an adrenaline boost-online, on air or on demand." (Source: SEMA, Discovery Communications)
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