In response to the EPA Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule requiring states to provide compliance records similar to the new California Environmental Reporting System regulation, the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) has assembled an ad hoc committee to consider the development of reporting standards specific to the collision repair industry. The committee is made up of body shop owners, paint manufacturers and insurance company executives together with regulatory professionals from the EPA Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP).
“Why does the collision industry need a compliance reporting standard?” regulatory consultant Steven Schillinger asked during the CIECA Conference in September. “State and local permitting agencies are creating questionnaires mandated under the new Federal electronic reporting regulation, which requires data from unrelated industries. Now is the time to work with the regulatory reporting authorities to eliminate non-essential, time-consuming and repetitive compliance data reporting.”
Fred Iantorno, CIECA’s executive director, added, “Implementing compliance reporting standards within collision repair facilities will result in more efficiencies, consistencies, cost savings and conformity – saving the collision industry time, effort and money.”
Matt Lynch, Color Software Support specialist at PPG, commented, “PPG is an industry leader that understands and meets compliance standards and determines the best ways to enhance the overall repair process. Most of our California shops are adopting best practices to improve shop efficiency, however, compliance reporting requirements can often be confusing, and compliance processes can be cumbersome and difficult to implement. I’m excited to join the CIECA Committee members in clearly identifying these issues and sharing ideas so we can continue to provide our customers with clear direction as compliance reporting requirements evolve and expand across the country.”
Robert Turchan of Pride Collision Centers stated, “Local and Federal EPA reporting is about to become incredibly complicated, and a CIECA data solution will enable simpler compliance for the nations’ body shops. A uniform language for reporting will enable paint companies and regulated industries to quickly offer solutions to body shops. Without this solution, many shops will be at risk for litigation, fines and closure.”
