A federal district court upheld the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2009 finding that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and threaten public health. The EPA issued its finding in response to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that the EPA was obligated under the Clean Air Act to decide whether greenhouse gases were an air pollutant and, if so, regulate them. More than 60 lawsuits from industry and several states challenged the EPA’s finding and subsequent rules to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases through new standards for vehicle tailpipe emissions and large stationary source emissions. Those suits were consolidated into the case decided by the federal court. In ruling that the EPA’s interpretation of the Clean Air Act was “unambiguously correct,” the burden now falls on the U.S. Congress to enact legislation if lawmakers seek a change to the EPA’s regulatory approach.  

The court ruling affirms the approach taken by the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to regulate CO2 emissions within the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards beginning with model year ’12 cars and light-duty trucks. SEMA and the automakers have generally supported the tailpipe regulations since they create a single, national CO2 standard. The revised CAFE standards are also intended to take jobs, safety, consumer choice and technological feasibility into account. With respect to stationary sources, the EPA regulations target the largest emitters, such as power plants and steel and paper mills, requiring them to obtain permits that track emissions and potentially install the best available control technology. 

SEMA remains concerned that the U.S. rules will translate into higher energy costs and lower economic growth while not substantially addressing global warming, and that future regulations will target medium and smaller operations. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

A federal district court upheld the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2009 finding that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and threaten public health. The EPA issued its finding in response to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that the EPA was obligated under the Clean Air Act to decide whether greenhouse gases were an air pollutant and, if so, regulate them. More than 60 lawsuits from industry and several states challenged the EPA’s finding and subsequent rules to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases through new standards for vehicle tailpipe emissions and large stationary source emissions. Those suits were consolidated into the case decided by the federal court. In ruling that the EPA’s interpretation of the Clean Air Act was “unambiguously correct,” the burden now falls on the U.S. Congress to enact legislation if lawmakers seek a change to the EPA’s regulatory approach.  

The court ruling affirms the approach taken by the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to regulate CO2 emissions within the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards beginning with model year ’12 cars and light-duty trucks. SEMA and the automakers have generally supported the tailpipe regulations since they create a single, national CO2 standard. The revised CAFE standards are also intended to take jobs, safety, consumer choice and technological feasibility into account. With respect to stationary sources, the EPA regulations target the largest emitters, such as power plants and steel and paper mills, requiring them to obtain permits that track emissions and potentially install the best available control technology. 

SEMA remains concerned that the U.S. rules will translate into higher energy costs and lower economic growth while not substantially addressing global warming, and that future regulations will target medium and smaller operations. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Toyota.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Toyota.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

Following months of deliberation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the “individual mandate” from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constitutional, drawn from the Congress’ ability to tax. The provision requires that individuals obtain “essential minimum coverage” by 2014. Individuals that do not purchase a basic policy would be subject to a federal penalty.
 
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said, “In light of today’s announcement and the months of uncertainty surrounding the Court’s ruling, it is now more important than ever to address the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act. The law has not tackled the soaring health care costs faced by our member companies, limiting their ability to create jobs and expand their businesses. SEMA calls on Congress and the President to address deficiencies that have created confusion in the market, spiraling premiums and increased administrative burdens for small business owners. As it has for the past several years, SEMA will continue to work with lawmakers and the business community on solutions to improve this flawed system.”

For more information, contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA director of congressional affairs, at dans@sema.org.

Following months of deliberation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the “individual mandate” from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constitutional, drawn from the Congress’ ability to tax. The provision requires that individuals obtain “essential minimum coverage” by 2014. Individuals that do not purchase a basic policy would be subject to a federal penalty.
 
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said, “In light of today’s announcement and the months of uncertainty surrounding the Court’s ruling, it is now more important than ever to address the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act. The law has not tackled the soaring health care costs faced by our member companies, limiting their ability to create jobs and expand their businesses. SEMA calls on Congress and the President to address deficiencies that have created confusion in the market, spiraling premiums and increased administrative burdens for small business owners. As it has for the past several years, SEMA will continue to work with lawmakers and the business community on solutions to improve this flawed system.”

For more information, contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA director of congressional affairs, at dans@sema.org.

Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

SEMA has selected Rockbridge Associates to conduct an important research study to assess current perceptions of the SEMA.org website in order to help improve the site’s utility for the future.

Should you receive an e-mail from Rockbridge Associates, please be assured that it is on SEMA’s behalf and to be taken seriously.

We appreciate your support in helping us to continually improve the products, services and resources available to SEMA-member companies.