Some of you will remember the recent attempts by
California Senator Quentin Kopp to modify the recent SMOG II legislation
so that cars 25 years and older will be exempt from smog testing.
The bill is currently labelled SB42, and was passed by the California
Transportation Committee in the state Senate. Next step is, the bill
will go to the state Senate Appropriations Committee, since it deals
to some extent with money (loss of smog certificate fees from these
exempt cars). Their examination may take several weeks. If the Approp.
Cmte. passes it, then it goes to the state Assembly. If it makes it
all the way through the Assembly, it goes to the Governor for signature.
If he signs it, it's law, and our 1972 cars will be home free!
What is dissapointing is that as of (Jan 15, 1997) only 4 clubs and 86
letters of support have been sent to Kopp (and no opposing
groups/letters). You can verify this yourself by surfing to Kopp's page:
http://www.sen.ca.gov/htbin/senator_profile/kopp
Then chose 'search current bills' chose SB42
Under Bill related documents chose 'analysis'
Of course while you are there check out all info on the bill.
I really hate to waste bandwidth with this (I dont like preaching this
fire and brimstone stuff, but somebody's gotta do it if you dont),
and listers that live oustide of California may feel that this is
wasting your time. However (and perhaps unfortunately) California
is the leading edge for environmental control in the US and a role
model for Federal agencies. In the end, these controls also find
their way to Europe.
As Jim Morrison said, "No-one gets out of here alive". Its your hobby.
Here's a chance for you to ensure that you can enjoy your hobby
through to the next millenia.
Please write to Kopp and your local Senator supporting his work.
Shane Ingate on a TR6 hood in San Diego
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