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arbcombo -- AB 32 - Automotive Solar Reflective Paint and Glazing Revised Draft Regulations
Posted: 05 Dec 2008 16:41:59
In response to comments made at the May 15, 2008 workshop and in subsequent individual meetings, ARB has revised the draft regulations previously proposed for solar reflective paint and glazing. The revisions are summarized below; the new draft can be found under "What's New" at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cool-paints/cool-paints.htm. Paint and Coatings: The paint and coatings portion of the original proposal included a requirement that 65 percent of the infrared solar energy impinging on the painted or coated surface be reflected, beginning with the 2012 model-year. Discussions with manufacturers and others led ARB to the conclusions that such a goal is not technically feasible in the near- to mid-term. Further, the timeline for development and testing of new pigments and paints is such that full compliance by 2012 would not be feasible, regardless of the standard adopted. The revised proposal seeks a target of 30 percent total solar reflectivity. One third of the color palette would be required to meet that target by 2012. The balance (of medium and darker shades) would have an additional 4 years to comply, with the entire color palette required to meet the standard by 2016. There are exemptions for various parts of the vehicle and custom colors. Application of higher reflectivity paint or coating on the roof of the vehicle would obviate the need to utilize solar reflective paint and coatings on the balance of the vehicle. Glazing: The glazing portion of the original proposal included a requirement for the all-around use of solar reflective glazing that transmits no more than 40 percent of the total solar energy inside the vehicle, beginning with the 2012 model-year. In subsequent conversations, it was determined that this language was confusing. In the revised draft, ARB is retaining the reflective glazing component, but has added a phase-in schedule, and changed the compliance metric to total direct solar reflectance. The revised proposal requires that the vehicle windshield reflect at least 45 percent of the impinging solar energy, beginning with the 2012 model-year. Solar control for the rooflite, if any, would also begin with the 2012 model-year. However, more compliance paths exist for the rooflite, since it need not comply with any federal visible light requirements, so reflective glass is not required. Requirements for the balance of glazing would begin with the 2013 model-year. Alternate Options: Beginning with the 2016 model-year, the proposed regulations allow a series of options that trade improvements in reflectivity in glazing for reduced paint requirements and vice versa. Under these options, it would be possible for a manufacturer to avoid all paint and coating requirements, or substantially reduce the glazing requirements, for a specified model. Please review these revisions and submit your comments by December 31, 2008. Individual meetings to discuss aspects of the proposal will be scheduled on request. Please address questions by email to Dr. Marijke Bekken, Staff Air Pollution Specialist, at mbekken@arb.ca.gov or to Ms. Sharon Lemieux, Manager, at (626) 575-7067 or by email at sclemieu@arb.ca.gov. You are receiving this single arbcombo email because you are a subscriber to or have made a public comment to one or more of the following lists: ccms, cc, cool-paints, ms-mailings.