TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 20, 2008) — A California-style motor vehicle emissions standard in Florida would be both unnecessary to improve the state's air quality and ruinous for the state's independent auto repairers, according to Charlie Elder, immediate past chairman of the Automotive Service Association (ASA).
Mr. Elder, who owns and operates Ray Gordon Brake Service in Tallahassee, told the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at a March 18 workshop that a federal emissions program is preferable to a state-by-state approach. A federal program would allow a uniform financial impact and a level playing field in the auto repair industry, whereas a state mandate for “super warranties” on emissions control equipment would only harm independent auto repairers.
Furthermore, California studies on vehicle air emissions are both outdated and irrelevant to Florida, according to Mr. Elder. At the very least, Florida should follow the lead of Washington and Vermont in rejecting super warranties in state emissions legislation, he said.