EPA Soliciting Reporting Requirements Feedback for VOC Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comments on the EPA's reporting and record-keeping requirements for national volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards for automobile refinishing coatings (see related story on page 21). The EPA is planning to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, the EPA is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection to determine whether it is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency. The EPA is required by law under the Clean Air Act to regulate volatile organic compounds emissions from the use of consumer and commercial products. Automobile refinishing coatings are included under this requirement.

Pelosi, Dingell Reach Agreement for Select Energy Committee

Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaker of the House of Representatives and John Dingell, D-Mich., chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, have reached an agreement on the structure of Pelosi's proposed select committee on global warming and energy dependence. This agreement allows Pelosi and Dingell to move forward with creating the committee. The new committee, which is likely to be led by Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., will have no legislative authority and will expire Oct. 30, 2008.

Senators Reintroduce Promising Emissions Bill

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, have reintroduced legislation that would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent in the United States by 2050. The Global Warming Reduction Act promotes incentives to buy products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions for American businesses, roads, and homes. The legislation requires the U.S. to derive 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and that passenger vehicles reduce their global warming pollution.

This includes a requirement that all new passenger vehicles meet emission-reduction requirements comparable to those in the state of California. The bill also calls for an increase in renewable fuel content for gasoline to 10 billion gallons. This would require that all gas stations in the country have at least one pump selling fuel that is 85 percent ethanol (E85) by 2016.

Since Democrats took control of the U.S. Congress in January 2007, this is the sixth bill that includes greenhouse gas emission caps.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | Antitrust Modernization Commission Report Due Soon | Codeless in the Shop: How Do You Begin to Troubleshoot? | California Leads the Way in Paint Regulatory Changes | Six Steps to Calming and Retaining Angry Customers | ASA's Annual Convention 2007 | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | News Briefs | Taking the Hill | Around ASA | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message