Catalytic converter regulations to be changed in NY

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) held its first meeting on Tuesday, June 18 for parties impacted by the DEC's decision to delay enforcement until 1/1/14 of a regulation adopting California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for new aftermarket catalytic converters that were supposed to go into effect June 1, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The formation of a stakeholders workgroup was requested by AAIA on behalf of many AAIA members impacted by the rule; and was agreed to DEC as part of its decision to delay the enforcement.

Two meetings were held on Tuesday in their Albany headquarters, where DEC was represented by key personnel, including air resources director, David Shaw. The first meeting was held with AAIA government affairs staff, representatives from seven converter manufacturers and a staff member from the Manufacturers of Emissions Controls Association. In an afternoon meeting representatives from the distribution and installer segments also were in attendance.

The meetings were focused on creating a workable implementation of the regulation, with back-and-forth conversations about the CARB approval process for converters, the need for extensive educational outreach throughout the distribution chain and for a practical, visible means of enforcement.

The workgroup will continue to meet in the months ahead to monitor progress on action items discussed during the meeting and to address other implementation issues that arise as the state moves closer to the January 1 date when the DEC intends to enforce the aftermarket converter rules. For more information on the New York DEC catalytic converter regulation, contact [email protected].