ASA takes stance on Florida's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Florida’s Environmental Regulation Commission held another briefing Aug. 28 to discuss Florida’s proposal of adopting California’s motor vehicle emissions standards, including the fleet-wide average greenhouse gas (GHG) standards.

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection has published its proposed rule to implement low emission and greenhouse gas standards for new mainstream passenger vehicles within the state, which would be identical to California’s EPA-approved standards, according to a news release from the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

The zero emission vehicle (ZEV) provisions were not adopted. Florida follows Arizona in not proposing super warranty regulations. Florida’s legislature will still review the proposal during its 2009 session.

Charles R. Elder, AAM, an ASA member from Tallahassee, Fla., and former chairman of the Automotive Service Association’s board of directors, attended the meeting Aug. 28. He agrees with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s belief that the “zero emission vehicle portion does not make sense for Florida and should not be adopted because the ‘super warranty’ for ZEVs would have a high economic impact on Florida consumers as well as our industry, both in finances and choice of repair.”

ASA supports Florida’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-efficient manner, but opposes moving toward California’s super warranty provisions. Clean car programs that make sense and are cost effective should be considered by regulators, not programs that harm small businesses and have long-term negative impact on consumers, the organization states.

For more information, visit www.ASAshop.org.