Pennsylvania finalizes clean vehicle program regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has published a final clean car emission regulation very similar to that of California that places stringent requirements on Pennsylvania automotive dealers as to the sale of low-emission cars and light-duty trucks beginning with model year 2008. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's administration pressed for the new regulation.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives failed to vote on legislation prior to ending its 2006 session that would have allowed Pennsylvania to follow less rigid vehicle emissions restrictions. Pennsylvania is the 11th state to adopt the California rule. Others include Oregon, Washington, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has opposed California and other states' use of "super warranties" to increase sales of low-emissions vehicles.

A link to the final regulation is available on ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.