CA Proposes Annual Emissions Tests for Vehicles Over 15 Years Old

LEGISLATIVE UPDATECA Proposes Annual Emissions Tests for Vehicles Over 15 Years Old DIAMOND BAR, CA (March 14, 2007) - Enthusiasts in California are rallying against legislation that has been introduced in the State Assembly by Assemblyman Dave Jones (D-Sacramento) to require annual smog check inspections for vehicles 15 years old and older. In addition, the bill would direct funds generated through the additional inspection fees to be deposited into an account that can be used to scrap older cars. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee for consideration. In a formal press release, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) stated that the "measure represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars for air-quality deficiencies." In 2004, California repealed its rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replaced it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. "Under this year's bill, pre-'76 vehicles would continue to be exempt from smog check," says Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. "However, vehicles 15 years old and older - currently '76 through '92 - that are not now exempt would move from a biennial test to annual tests, with the clear intent of moving them into the scrappage program." "Implementing an annual test would not only increase the cost to the vehicle owner, but it would also give the state more opportunities to lure these vehicles into retirement," adds McDonald. Recently, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District released an updated smog plan that calls for scrapping 30,000 passenger cars, five times the number previously planned. According to SEMA, scrappage programs accelerate the normal demise of vehicles through the purchase of older cars, which are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. "By virtue of these scrappage programs, the vehicle hobby risks the loss of potential collector cars and parts forever that could have been used in a project," says SEMA Action Network (SAN) Director Jason Tolleson.  SEMA is urging members to contact Assemblyman Jones and the members of the California Assembly Transportation committee. For more information, visit www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62246 or contact McDonald at [email protected].(Source: SEMA)