While the "Cash for Clunkers" fleet modernization proposal did not make it into the final version of President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan that was signed into law a few weeks ago, it has been brought back to the drawing board in the state of California.

The Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program, developed in consultation with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, would provide about $30 million annually – through 2015 – to expand California’s existing voluntary vehicle retirement program. According to Automotive Service Association (ASA), the current version of the program includes a repair option, while the new proposed version does not. These new monies would only be used for retiring vehicles.

According to a bulletin issued recently by ASA, there are two key points to the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program: First, to expand the existing statewide program, vehicles no longer would be subjected to a smog check and the requirement that they must fail the emissions test to participate. Second, additional compensation would be made available to targeted consumers in areas with the most severe air quality problems. This would provide an incentive to retire vehicles that are probably the worst polluters and to purchase newer, cleaner vehicles.

To learn more about the newly proposed program and workshop, go to the ASA’s legislative website: www.TakingTheHill.com.