From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The staff of State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, who represents California's 56th Assembly District, which includes SEMA's headquarters in Diamond Bar, recently visited the SEMA Garage to better understand the garage's critical role in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The SEMA Garage's Emissions Compliance Center, recognized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a Certification-Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory, provides essential services for manufacturers developing emissions-compliant aftermarket parts.
SEMA's impact on Assemblymember Calderon's district is significant. There are 46 SEMA member companies in the 56th Assembly District, contributing $784.48 million in total economic output, supporting 2,730 jobs and generating $240.43 million in wages and benefits. As the representative of this vital economic hub, Calderon's engagement with SEMA helps ensure that lawmakers understand the importance of a streamlined emissions compliance process to support industry innovation and growth.
"We are grateful to Assemblymember Calderon's team for taking the time to visit the SEMA Garage and learn more about our work to support the aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Their engagement is key to ensuring that the laws and regulations affecting our industry promote innovation, protect small businesses, and support the local economy."
SEMA, through its garage, works closely with CARB to issue Executive Orders (EOs), which certify that aftermarket parts meet California's strict emissions regulations, allowing their legal sale and use across all 50 states. Over the last seven years, SEMA has facilitated 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, completing over 700 applications for member companies. The SEMA Garage plays a vital role in this process, offering affordable emissions testing and compliance assistance.
For more information, or to host your own lawmakers on a visit to your facility, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
