New Rules Impact California Climate Mandates
The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that manufacturers may sell certain automotive parts in 49 states without first meeting California’s separate emissions certification requirements. Under a new EPA advisory opinion, manufacturers can show that aftermarket parts comply with the federal Clean Air Act through the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s emissions certification program. That means companies […]
The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that manufacturers may sell certain automotive parts in 49 states without first meeting California’s separate emissions certification requirements.
Under a new EPA advisory opinion, manufacturers can show that aftermarket parts comply with the federal Clean Air Act through the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s emissions certification program. That means companies may rely on SEMA certification rather than first seeking approval from California regulators.
“Americans should not be forced to solely rely on California to certify aftermarket products. Starting today, Americans can trust that products certified by SEMA meet federal requirements and can be used to repair vehicles,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a July 1 press release.
EPA Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall offered further detail in a July 1 letter to SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.
“The Tampering Policy explains how a person may demonstrate that an aftermarket product does not adversely affect automotive emissions by documenting that an appropriate vehicle equipped with the product will pass the same emissions tests used by the original equipment manufacturer to certify the vehicle under the Clean Air Act,” Hall wrote.
SEMA’s Certified-Emissions website states that the EPA’s Tampering Policy provides guidance for aftermarket manufacturers seeking to meet the agency’s “reasonable basis” standard for emissions compliance. According to SEMA, the policy recognizes certification-level testing conducted in a manner similar to the testing required by the California Air Resources Board for its executive order process.
CARB is the California agency responsible for setting the state’s vehicle emissions standards and implementing policies intended to address climate change.
Zeldin framed the EPA’s decision as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to support domestic auto manufacturers, small businesses and consumers.
“President Trump’s commitment to reviving the American auto industry has been unwavering and has already yielded hundreds of billions in new investments, supported American jobs and expanded consumer choice,” Zeldin said. “With the aftermarket sector being a key piece of the industry, EPA is proud to deliver on the president’s agenda for the small businesses producing aftermarket parts and on behalf of the Americans who purchase those parts.”