From AAIA Capital Report
AAIA received a letter on May 21 from Jared Snyder, assistant commissioner for the Office of Air Resources, Climate Change & Energy in the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announcing that the agency will delay enforcement of the June 1 implementation of six NYCCR Part 218-7.2 (c), adopted standards for new aftermarket catalytic converters.
The standards incorporate the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations governing the sale and installation of new aftermarket catalytic converters into New York regulations. In order to meet CARB standards, new aftermarket converters must be tested and certified by CARB and issued an Executive Order, which must be identified by a metal plate on the body of the converter for sale.
AAIA has expressed concerns to DEC that the there had not been sufficient outreach by the state agency to installers, retailers and distributors regarding the new rules, and that other issues remained resolved including how the new rules would be enforced. AAIA called for a delay in implementation and the formation of a task force comprised of representatives from DEC and the industry to address implementation issues.
In his letter to AAIA, Snyder stated that, “To ensure a smooth transition, however, the department will focus on outreach, rather than enforcement, for the remainder of 2013.” DEC has issued a separate advisory letter, signed by Commissioner Joe Martens, stating that, “The DEC will not enforce the provisions… until after Jan. 1, 2014.”
The department also agreed to adopt AAIA’s recommendation to establish a workgroup that will address implementation issues. For the letters, Fact Sheet and FAQs from DEC, click here.
Additionally, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection had earlier announced an implementation of the same CARB catalytic converter regulations on June 1, 2013. On May 29, the department announced that it will amend Maine Chapter 127 to delay the effective date of CARB’s aftermarket catalytic converter requirements until June 1, 2015. According to the department website, the stated purpose of the delay is to allow more time for manufacturers to comply and for other states in the region to adopt these requirements. In addition, it provides more time to inform the distributors and regulated community of the program and its benefits. To view the Maine Rule and Fact Sheet, click here.
