Urgent Legislative Alert:

[H4LIGHTS]

Subject: SEMA Action Network Legislative Alert - CA Senate Reintroduces Legislation to Repeal Old Car Emissions Exemption

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT

Legislation to Repeal Old Car Emissions Exemption Introduced AGAIN in California Senate

As predicted, legislation has been reintroduced in the California Senate to repeal the state's current rolling emissions test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older. S.B. 708 repeals the current pro-hobbyist exemption and replaces it with an exemption for vehicles that are 45 or more model years old commencing January 1, 2005.

We Urge You to Contact Your State Senators Immediately to Oppose S.B. 708

Existing law in California exempts all pre-1974 vehicles from emissions testing until 2003. After 2003, vehicles 30-years old and older are 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 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. 708. 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 <http://www.enjoythedrive.com/legislative/contact_legislator.asp> or by calling the SEMA Washington, DC office at 202-783-6007 ext. 39. 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