The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. For decorative chrome plating, the EPA wants to lower the emissions levels for existing sources from 0.01 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) to 0.007 mg/dscm. New sources would be required to meet a 0.006-mg/dscm limit. The EPA is also pursuing a reduction in the bath surface tension, arguing that it will achieve further reductions in actual emissions.

The EPA contends most facilities already meet the proposed standards and facilities that do not meet the standards could by simply using more fume suppressants. SEMA is reviewing the proposal but questions the need for additional regulations at a time when, according to the EPA’s own data, industry's emissions have been reduced by 99.7% since 1995. Additionally, the plating and finishing industry's total U.S. emissions are less than 1% of all chromium emissions from various other sources. 

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. For decorative chrome plating, the EPA wants to lower the emissions levels for existing sources from 0.01 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) to 0.007 mg/dscm. New sources would be required to meet a 0.006-mg/dscm limit. The EPA is also pursuing a reduction in the bath surface tension, arguing that it will achieve further reductions in actual emissions.

The EPA contends most facilities already meet the proposed standards and facilities that do not meet the standards could by simply using more fume suppressants. SEMA is reviewing the proposal but questions the need for additional regulations at a time when, according to the EPA’s own data, industry's emissions have been reduced by 99.7% since 1995. Additionally, the plating and finishing industry's total U.S. emissions are less than 1% of all chromium emissions from various other sources. 

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving a car. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require the driver to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions, such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted.

The NHTSA has been researching driver distraction for years. Following a public meeting in 2000 on the topic, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers developed a set of best practices for telematic devices. The Alliance Guidelines consist of 24 principles that have been revised several times, most recently in June 2006. According to the NHTSA, the draft agency guidelines attempt to build on, but also go beyond the Alliance principles in order to potentially specify a single test procedure and aid in the voluntary adoption of uniform guidelines.

In the future, the NHTSA intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and pads and other mobile communications devices. The NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket. 

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving a car. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require the driver to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions, such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted.

The NHTSA has been researching driver distraction for years. Following a public meeting in 2000 on the topic, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers developed a set of best practices for telematic devices. The Alliance Guidelines consist of 24 principles that have been revised several times, most recently in June 2006. According to the NHTSA, the draft agency guidelines attempt to build on, but also go beyond the Alliance principles in order to potentially specify a single test procedure and aid in the voluntary adoption of uniform guidelines.

In the future, the NHTSA intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and pads and other mobile communications devices. The NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket. 

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

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!