California Air Resources Board

Finish Master Settlement for $350,000

The Air Resources Board (ARB) has executed a settlement with Finish Master Corporation for selling non-compliant automotive refinishing coatings in California. This settlement involved the sales of non-compliant automotive refinishing coatings in four California air districts during the years 1997-1999.

During the spring of 1999, ARB learned that Finish Master had sold at least 13,123 gallons of non-compliant automotive refinishing coatings resulting in excess emissions of 37,260 lbs of volatile organic compounds. ARB was initially notified of this non-compliance by management from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District via a memo describing sales of non-compliant automotive coatings at three distributor locations in their jurisdiction. Subsequent investigation revealed sales of non-compliant automotive refinishing coating in four districts over the three-year period.

The ARB finalized the settlement with Finish Master Corporation for introducing into commerce in California non-compliant automotive refinishing coatings. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Finish Master paid $350,000, which will be divided between ARB and the four Air Pollution Control Districts with sales of non-compliant automotive refinishing coatings based on a formula decided in the terms of the settlement. The ARB's share of this settlement is $75,000. This enforcement action against the introduction of non-compliant automotive refinishing coatings assures a level playing field for all competitors and provides the full intended benefit of California's emission standards.

Return to 2002 Case Settlements