ANNUAL Emissions Tests - California

June 20th, 2007 by

This came in my FOTR email list so I thought I’d pass it along. Sorry if it’s already been posted here.

California Bill to Require ANNUAL Emissions Tests for Vehicles 15-Years Old and Older Passes Assembly; Moves to Senate

Legislation (A.B. 616) to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15-years old and older has been approved by the California Assembly and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. 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. 616. The bill has been now referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.

We Urge You to Contact Members of the Senate Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose A.B. 616

A.B. 616 ignores the minimal impact vintage cars have on air quality.
A.B. 616 could entice vintage car owners into allowing these vehicles to be scrapped.
A.B. 616 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. 616 ignores the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.
A.B. 616 would increase costs by creating an annual inspection fee for owners of these vehicles.
A.B. 616 represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars.

Please contact members of the California Senate Transportation Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to A.B. 616.

Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.

Senate Transportation Committee

Senator Alan Lowenthal (Chair)

Senator.Lowenthal@senate.ca.gov

(916) 651-4027

Senator Tom McClintock (Vice Chair)

Senator.McClintock@senate.ca.gov

(916) 651-4019

Senator Roy Ashburn

Senator.Ashburn@senate.ca.gov

(916) 651-4018