New Bill Would Strengthen 'Smoking' Vehicle Law
WASHINGTON, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- California State Senator Dean Florez
has modified Senate Bill 708 (S.B. 708). The original S.B. 708 threatened to
repeal the state's current rolling emissions test exemption for motor vehicles
30 years old and older. It sought to revoke the current pro-industry/
pro-hobbyist exemption and replace it with an exemption for vehicles that are
45 or more model years old commencing Jan. 1, 2005. A SEMA-drafted
alternative that beefs up the existing California law prohibiting the
operation of "smoking" motor vehicles will replace the original bill.
"California officials continue to develop strategies to address failed
efforts to meet air quality goals. Old cars often are targeted as convenient
scapegoats," said SEMA Government Affairs Director Steve McDonald. "Over
time Senator Florez has become convinced that the antique and classic
vehicles that benefit from the current emissions exemption are overwhelmingly
well-maintained and infrequently driven. Forcing these vehicles back into the
Smog Check program represented flawed environmental policy and created no real
benefit to the quality of the air breathed by state residents. We are
thrilled that Senator Florez ultimately agreed with our assessment."
The new S.B. 708 increases fines for violators of the state's current law
prohibiting vehicles that emit excessive smoke. This legislation also adds
vehicles cited for a smoking vehicle violation to those eligible for the
state's Consumer Assistance Program. The program provides financial repair
assistance up to $500 for certain low-income vehicle owners who qualify.
"This alternative will result in real, verifiable emission reductions that
help eliminate a significant source of pollution, and it does so without harm
to consumers and hobbyists alike," said SEMA Technical Consultant Frank
Bohanan. "The repair assistance provisions will likely reduce drivers'
operating costs in addition to helping clear the air."
In seeking this alternative, Senator Florez acknowledged the thousands of
phone calls and letters opposing his original bill that were generated by the
California vehicle hobbyist community and related industry members.
"California SEMA Action Network (SAN) car clubs and individual hobbyists did
outstanding work in opposing the original S.B. 708. Within minutes after
sending our legislative alerts, the phone calls, faxes and email began pouring
into Sacramento," said SAN Director Brian Caudill. "California hobbyists
provided the passion and the horsepower which enabled SEMA to make our
arguments to Senator Florez. This is exactly how our enthusiast-industry
partnership is supposed to work."
Existing law in California exempted all pre-1974 vehicles from emissions
testing until Jan. 1, 2003. After Jan. 1, vehicles 30-years old and older are
exempt from emissions testing. This law, enacted in 1997, acknowledges the
minimal impact of vehicles 30-years old and older on vehicle emissions and air
quality. Vehicles 30-years old and older constitute a small portion of the
overall vehicle population in California and are regarded by clean air
regulators and industry watchdogs as a poor source from which to look for
emissions reduction.
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the
$27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade
association has more than 4,500 member companies. It is the authoritative
source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers
and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance,
performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars,
minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information,
contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call
909/396-0289; or visit http://www.sema.org or http://www.enjoythedrive.com .
SOURCE SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
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Related links:
http://www.sema.org
http://www.enjoythedrive.com
CONTACT:
Media, Steve McDonald, +1-202-783-6007, ext.
31, stevem@sema.org , or Brian Caudill, +1-202-783-0865,
brianc@sema.org ,both of SEMA
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