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Automobile Refinish Coatings: National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards

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Rule Summary

This action promulgates national volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards for automobile refinish coatings pursuant to section 183(e) of the Clean Air Act (Act). This final rule is based on the Administrator’s determination that VOC emissions from the use of automobile refinish coatings have the potential to cause or contribute to ozone levels that violate the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone. Ozone is a major component of smog which causes negative health and environmental impacts when present in high concentrations at ground level.

The final rule is estimated to reduce VOC emissions by 31,900 tons per year (tpy) by requiring manufacturers and importers to limit the VOC content of automobile refinish coatings. These reductions represent a 33% reduction from the 1995 baseline emissions estimates.

Rule History

11/23/1998 - Federal Register Correction

09/11/1998 - Final Rule

12/30/1997 - Supplemental Proposed Rule

04/30/1996 - Proposed Rule

Additional Resources

Fact Sheet - Final Air Regulation for Automobile Refinish Coatings

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Automobile Refinishing - Background Information for Promulgated Standards

Alternative Control Techniques Document: Automobile Refinishing

Industrial Cleaning Solvents Control Techniques Guidelines

Related Rules

Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources

Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Automobile Refinishing

National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer Products

National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural Coatings