Automakers Could Face Additional Government Regulation

The Environmental Protection Agency could be given more authority to regulate materials automakers use when building and painting cars and trucks. Congressional lawmakers are reviewing proposed legislation now that would clear the way for the government agency to have additional oversight. One of the reforms includes setting up an evaluation system for all existing chemicals used.

The original Toxic Substances Control Act took effect 35 years ago and some say it should be updated. However analysts say this will not be an easy job. They say the average vehicle today has thousands of components and every one has any number of assorted materials.