SACRAMENTO, CA - Several regional air pollution control agencies in California have initiated discussions that are likely to lead to the enactment of new, tougher regulations on VOCs in architectural and industrial-maintenance (AIM) coatings.

The agencies are following the recommendations of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which a year ago issued a "Suggested Control Measure" that calls for the enactment of stringent VOC limits on a range of AIM coatings types. CARB does not directly regulate VOC content in such coatings, but makes recommendations on regulatory policies to the state's regional air-quality districts.

Public workshops to discuss new VOC regulations on AIM Coatings have been conducted by the San Joaquin Valley, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and Yolo Solana County air pollution control districts.