SEMA calls for action against California Emissions Bill: hearings April 13

Legislation (A.B. 859) reintroduced in the California Assembly by Assemblyman Dave Jones (916/319-2009) to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15-years old and older will be considered by the Assembly Transportation Committee on April 13, 2009.

The bill would also require that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. You may recall that in 2004 a new law was enacted in California to require the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. Pre-1976 motor vehicles would remain exempt under A.B. 859.

SEMA is urging old car advocates to call members of the Assembly Transportation Committee (list below) immediately to oppose A.B. 859 on the following principles:

- A.B. 859 ignores the minimal impact vintage cars have on air quality.

- A.B. 859 could entice vintage car owners into allowing these vehicles to be scrapped.

- A.B. 859 ignores the fact that vehicles 15-years old and older still constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.

- A.B. 859 ignores the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.

- A.B. 859 would increase costs by creating an annual inspection fee for owners of these vehicles.

- A.B. 859 represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars.

Please contact members of the California Assembly Transportation Committee immediately by phone to request their opposition to A.B. 859.

Assembly Transportation Committee
Assemblymember Mike Eng – Chair
Phone: 916/319-2049 Assemblymember Kevin Jeffries
Phone: 916/319-2066 Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield
Phone: 916/319-2040 Assemblymember Joan Buchanan
Phone: 916/319-2015 Assemblymember Connie Conway
Phone: 916/319-2034 Assemblymember Warren Furutani
Phone: 916/319-2055 Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani
Phone: 916/319-2017 Assemblymember Martin Garrick
Phone: 916/319-2074 Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal
Phone: 916/319-2054 Assemblymember Jeff Miller
Phone: 916/319-2071 Assemblymember Roger Niello
Phone: 916/319-2005 Assemblymember John Perez
Phone: 916/319-2046 Assemblymember Jose Solorio
Phone: 916/319-2069 Assemblymember Tom Torlakson

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