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 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.

SEMA-model legislation that would allow vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was passed by the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

Legislation that originally sought to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that are 8 model years old and newer was amended and approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.

The Illinois House of Representatives has introduced legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers.

In cooperation with Wisconsin's collector vehicle community, legislation has been introduced to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was approved by the Washington State House Business & Financial Services Committee and now moves to the House Rules Committee for consideration. 

In consultation with the hobbyist community in the state, SEMA worked with Del. Kirill Reznik to amend legislation in the House and Senate that originally threatened to further limit the use of “historic motor vehicles.”

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow companies to market collision-repair parts without infringing a design patent after a vehicle has been marketed for two-and-a-half years. Under current law, a design patent covers the ornamental design for an object having practical utility for a 14-year term.

Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount charged for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia House of Delegates.