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.
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