[Don]

In 2007, the CT General Assembly included in a DMV Bill an emissions exemption for Composites, CT term for kit cars and replicas. The emission exemption already existed for vehicles 25 years and older and was not in question. CT does not have any restrictions on the number of Composites that can be registered.

In CT, the year first registered in the state as a Composite becomes the Model year and had been subject to a specific set of emissions standards. There was consideration for further reduction on the Composite emission standard, which effectively would have severely limited engine choice if not eliminated kit cars/replicas with period correct engines.

Some of the approaches and items mentioned in the successful effort to obtain the emissions exemption:

* Efforts by hobbyists and businesses with both written and public testimony at the Transportation Committee Public Hearing . Both types of testimony were personally authored rather than using petitions or pre-formatted form letters. The approach was viewed as favorable by the co-chairs of the Transportation Committee, they supported the endeavor, and the committee members. As an example, Peter from ERA, based in CT, testified at the Public Hearing. Individual hobbyists and the CT Council of Car Clubs also testified at the Public Hearings. Lobbyists did not testify at the Public Hearing, but submitted written testimony. Feedback from the Transportation Committee staff was positive due to the personal citizen approach, which was viewed as unique.

* The recreational driving season in CT is limited, April to October.

* Due to the nature of Kit cars and replicas ( as well as antique cars ) , very limited annual mileage as compared to other methods of transportation, i.e. recreational rather than daily commuter and shopping purposes.

* Registration by year was researched for the model Composite and expressed as a percent of all passenger car registrations. Approx 325 Composites compared to over 3,000,000 registrations, minimal impact.

* Overall, the high standard of condition both mechanically and in appearance.

* The Charity events sponsored and supported by Car Club organizations and civic organizations

* Economic impact of the car hobby

Thought I would mention should any of these items be helpful. The personal support of the co-chairs ( combined of Senate & House ) of the
Transportation Committee appeared to have heavily influenced the outcome.