| Author |
Message |
Robert W. Garven Jr. (Robertgarven)
Junior Member
Username: Robertgarven
Post Number: 107
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 6:57 pm: | |
Here is a sample letter, if you dont have the time to write one. I can't believe more of you haven't responded to this, this would mean evry car back to 1960 would have to be smogged!!!!!!!
Dear Senator McClintock,
I am writing this letter to urge you to NOT SUPPORT Senate Bill #708. As a lifelong auto enthusiast and citizen concerned with the environment I feel that clean air and classic sports cars can coexist in our state.
My wife and I are the owners of a classic car which is extremely well maintained, yet every two years we find it is harder to have it pass the smog tests. We are among a large group in the state who own these classic cars as a serious pastime. These cars are not used for daily transportation and are driven on average less than 1000 miles per year. Well maintained classic cars are not the cause of our statewide air pollution problem and banning them or being unable to register them legally is not the solution to our smog problem.
Some of these cars have problems because in the early to mid seventies some cars barely met the regulations due to the fact that the technology of cleaner burning engines was just in its infancy. To get these cars into the country the manufacturers just slapped on all sorts of quick fix band-aids that did not really work but met the legal requirements of the law. Since there was very little enforcement of emissions early on, this really didn�t matter. When the enforcement was stepped up, it was not uncommon for owners to just pay to get a certificate. This forced people to either break the law or lose their vehicle. Which was wrong either way!
The solution to our air pollution is ridesharing, improved mass transit, mpg laws on SUV�s and enforcement of the smog laws that apply to daily transportation vehicles. I feel that Senate Bill #708 is just another burden on classic car owners that would not improve the states quality of air.
I guess the bottom line is that there are a lot of car collectors and car enthusiasts in California who want clean air but feel that they are being unfairly penalized by laws that are well intended but sometimes either misguided or misapplied. Lets face it, we live in a car culture and many of these classic cars are part of our California heritage . They give us a glimpse of history and connect us to the past. In a way, they are like rolling museums or moving pieces of art. All of the car shows we attend give the proceeds to charity and I cant help but feel that we are all enriched by the people who spend countless hours and thousands of dollars to restore and maintain these classic cars for the enjoyment of all. The fact that diesel big rigs, motorcycles, boats and airplanes are not checked only adds to the hypocrisy of the smog check system in our state.
I hope that you vote against this bill or any similar measure that would restrict our ability to continue to collect and drive these rare and historic vehicles. I am a member of the Ferrari Club of America, and I am trying to organize our members to contact their representatives to let them know how we feel about this issue, which is of extreme importance to us.
Sincerely, |
Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Junior Member
Username: Stickanddice
Post Number: 144
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 5:17 am: | |
What a nuisance. I do hate California sometimes.
Thanks Robert, I'll make it a point to contest. |
Robert W. Garven Jr. (Robertgarven)
Junior Member
Username: Robertgarven
Post Number: 104
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 6:12 pm: | |
a little more information about California Senate bill *SB 708* (authored by
Senator Florez), which if passed would make smog checks required of all
(gasoline powered) cars in California up to *45* model years old starting in
2005.
I know many of you have newer cars but this is the time we need to stand together. Please write or call your representative NOW!!!
I spoke with *Michael* in Senator Florez' office today. He stated that they
are trying to *define* classic cars in order to exempt them from this
requirement. He also stated that if they could not do so, they would not go
forward with the legislation. I asked if "public input" was sought and Michael
said they would prefer *LETTERS* addressed to the Senator's Sacramento office
(see address below). Letters should clearly state the writer's position on
this issue. Let's provide that "public input" in a big way!
I would also suggest that you contact (write or call) both your Assembly
representative and your State Senator, to also state your opposition to the
provisions of SB 708 (see link below to locate your state representatives).
I ask that you help circulate this information by forwarding this information
to any other relevant mailing lists you may be on. Below are links to the bill
itself, the author, and a web site where you can locate your elected
representatives.
Send letters to the author of the bill to:
Senator Dean Florez
State Capitol, Room 4090
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-4641
Fax (916) 327-5989
Text of SB 708:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_708&sess=CUR&house
=B&author=florez
The web site of the author of the bill, Dean Florez, Democrat, Senate District
16, Shafter (near Bakersfield). His area comprises most of the San Joaquin
Valley:
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/florez/
To find the contact information for your elected representatives, click on
this link and enter your zip code:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
|
|