New York And Maine Delay Implementation Of New Catalytic Converter Standards

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.

From AAIA Capital Report

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.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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