posted 09-02-2004 01:26 PM         

ACT NOW TO STOP THE CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS EXEMPTION REPEAL BILL!

On Friday, August 27, the California Legislature approved a bill known as A.B. 2683. This bill would repeal the state`s current pro-hobbyist emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older. It includes amendments that do not protect car collectors and is being opposed by SEMA and the major car organizations in California. This bill would require:

* All vehicles with post-1975 model year insured as collector cars (driven only to parades and exhibitions), and at least 35-years old to continue in the Smog Check program for the life of the vehicle.

* Revisions to the Smog Check testing regimen for these qualifying vehicles, including a tailpipe test, functional inspection of the fuel cap, and a visual inspection for fuel leaks. The vehicle would also be forced to comply with the exhaust emissions standards for the vehicle`s class and model year as prescribed by California regulators.

CONTACT YOUR GOVERNOR TODAY!

The bill is now in the hands of the Governor who can choose to veto it or sign it into law. We urge you to contact the Governor immediately to request his veto of A.B. 2683! He can be reached at:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
FAX: 916-445-4633
E-mail: www.govmail.ca.gov

A THREAT TO YOUR HOBBY!

Despite assurances from the bill`s sponsors that a good faith effort would be made to address hobbyist concerns, this bill continues to betray the trust of the collector car community. Here`s how:

* HIGH COST: This bill could be far costlier and even more burdensome to vehicle collectors.

* ARBITRARY GUIDELINES: Regulators could set emissions standards to any level that suits their purposes in order to ensure inspection failures.

* UNLIMITED POWERS: Nothing in this bill would stop regulators from bringing 1975 and older vehicles back into the Smog Check program at a later date.

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!

Again, we urge you contact the Governor`s office at the address or fax number listed above. Here are some talking points to include:

* California`s current law recognizes the minimal impact of vehicles 30-years old and older on emissions and air quality.

* Vehicles 30 years-old and older make up a minuscule portion of the overall vehicle population and are poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.

* Antique and classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.