From AAIA Capital Report

As part of its broad mandate to reduce emissions of global warming gasses under the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (A.B. 32), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on June 21 approved a short list of "discrete early action measures" that must be enforceable by Jan. 1, 2010.

Of interest to the retail aftermarket was the proposed inclusion on the list of restrictions on the retail sale of R-134a automotive refrigerant to non-professionals which were opposed by both the Automotive Refrigeration Products Institute (ARPI) and AAIA. Joining the industry in opposition to the sales restrictions was an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee that was formed under the act to ensure that low-income and minorities were not unfairly harmed by the measures promulgated under the legislation. The committee testified at the hearing that the sales restrictions would place an unfair burden on low-income individuals while providing small reductions in global warming gasses. Following the testimony, the board directed CARB staff to work with the industry to explore alternatives to a sales restriction.

Also on the early action list were a low carbon fuel standard which would require fuel providers to ensure that the mix of fuels they sell in the state meet, on average, a declining standard for greenhouse gas emissions, and landfill methane capture that would establish statewide standards for the installation and performance of active gas collection/control systems at municipal sold waste landfills. In addition, during the hearing, board members added to the early action list, a measure that would require the development of cool automotive paints which reduce the absorption of heat by vehicles and thus reduce the load on vehicle air conditioners. The board staff will be developing rules over the next year to implement these measures as well.

For additional information on implementation of A.B. 32, visit the CARB website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.