California Air Resources Board

The Automotive Refinishing Program is dedicated to reducing or eliminating toxins from paints or coatings used in commercial automotive refinishing operations and residential use.

Background

Exposure to the toxins contained in automotive coatings is more pervasive than from other sources, as most automotive refinishing facilities (both large and small) are located in densely populated urban areas, many in close proximity to private residences and schools. Automotive coatings are also used at home to paint vehicles or mobile equipment. For these reasons, it is imperative that the toxic emissions from automotive coatings be reduced or eliminated when possible.

What has CARB done to accomplish this goal?

• Developed an Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Emissions of Hexavalent Chromium and Cadmium Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Coatings, which eliminated hexavalent chromium and cadmium from automotive coatings.
  • Final Statement of Reasons for Rulemaking
  • 15 Day Notice of Public Availability of Modified Text
  • Regulatory Advisory
  • Initial Statement of Reasons for Proposed Rulemaking
    • Appendices
• Established an automotive refinishing pollution prevention outreach program that integrates the advancement of new environmental technologies with the promotion of community health.
• Developed a Suggested Control Measure for Automotive Coatings that serves as a model rule for the local air districts for their rule development. The SCM reduces VOC emissions, improves consistency in district rules, and improves rule enforceability.