WASHINGTON — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Washington state affiliate, ASA-Washington, have issued a statement asking independent repair shop owners in Washington to contact their state senators and representatives to request that they oppose Senate Bill 5397 and House Bill 1397.

If passed, both bills would change Washington’s vehicle emission standards and would implement the California vehicle emission standards that include a 15-year/150,000-mile super warranty. Washington Senate Bill 5397 was introduced by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Silverdale, and House Bill 1397 was introduced by Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle.

According to Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative, super warranties will have a long-term negative effect on Washington independent repairers.

“Although the legislation takes effect in 2009, by 2010, 57 percent of the vehicles in Washington could carry a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty. Independent shops will virtually be excluded from the repair process. Independent auto repair shops, at present, perform approximately 75 percent of all non-warranty repairs in Washington. Increasing the impact even more, the legislation eliminates emission inspection and maintenance programs beginning in 2009.”

“It is critical for all repairers in Washington to contact their senators and representatives as soon as possible,” said Jeff Lovell, executive director, ASA-Washington. “This is the most important piece of legislation that the Washington legislature has ever considered and will greatly affect the independent repair shop business in Washington.”

ASA has posted a White Paper on Washington’s vehicle emissions legislation on its web site www.TakingTheHill.com. Information on contacting a Washington state representative or senator are also available on the site.

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