---------------------------------------------Note:This is exactly what was
e-mailed to me.
URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT (from SEMA)
Legislation to Repeal Old Car Emissions Exemption Introduced in California
Senate
As predicted, legislation has been introduced in the California Senate to
repeal the state s current rolling emissions test exemption for vehicles 30
years old and older. S.B. 1172 repeals the current pro-hobbyist exemption
and replaces it with a static exemption for pre-1974 vehicles. S.B. 800
repeals the current exemption and replaces it with a static exemption for
pre-1975 vehicles.
However, S.B. 800 was introduced by Sen. Maurice Johannessen (a long-time
friend of the hobby) and we believe strongly that this bill will be amended
to remove the repeal language. At this point, we do not believe that S.B.
800 poses a threat to the hobby. Therefore,
We Urge You to Contact Your State Senators Immediately to Oppose S.B. 1172
Existing law in California exempts all pre-1974 vehicles from emissions
testing until 2003. After 2003, vehicles 30-years old and older will be
exempt from emissions testing.
California’s current emissions testing exemption recognizes the minimal
impact of vehicles 30-years old and older on vehicle emissions and air
quality. Vehicles 30-years old and older constitute a small portion of the
overall vehicle population (currently less than 3% of the over 23 million
vehicles in California) and are a poor source from which to look for
emissions reduction.
Antique and classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained
and infrequently driven (about one-third the miles each year as a new
vehicle). Legislators and regulators are feeling the heat from a failed
effort to meet air quality goals and are looking for a convenient
scapegoat. The old car hobby should not carry the burden of their
mistakes!
Contact your state senators to oppose S.B. 1172. To find out who your
state senators are, contact the California Senate general information line
at 916/445-4311. This information can also be accessed via the Internet at
www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html or by calling the SEMA Washington, DC
office at 202-783-6007.
Please fax a copy of your letters to us at 202/783-6024 or mail to:
SEMA Washington Office
1317 F St., NW, Ste. 500
Washington, D.C. 20004
Attn: Steve McDonald/Brian Caudill