APRIL 9 COVID-19 UPDATE

Legislation
The U.S. Senate may vote as early as today on a fourth coronavirus economic stimulus package to augment the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) with an additional $250 billion.  Passage is not assured given that Democrats in the U.S. House want to add more funding for hospitals, the food stamp program and others.  Meanwhile the Administration is looking forward and beginning to discuss when it can “unveil guidance for eventually reopening the government.” Driving this conversation is the fact that unemployment claims have risen to over 16.6 million over the last three weeks.  

Auto Manufacturers
In March Subaru issued new statements on “Structural Repairs” and “Use of Aftermarket Substitute Parts on Subaru Vehicles” according to a story by Repairer Driven News.  The position statements include the following:

• “For all repairs to unibody/structural components …. repair facilities should follow Subaru published repair procedures and use Subaru Genuine Parts.”  (Structural Repairs)
• “Subaru does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative , or reverse-engineered components …… Subaru does not support the use of parts that have been removed, salvaged or recycled from an existing vehicle.” (Structural Repairs)
• “The use of any aftermarket or substitute structural, body, mechanical or electrical repair parts is non covered under the Subaru of America, Inc, limited warranty, replacement parts limited warranty or Subaru Added Security (SAS) agreements or contracts.”  (Use of Aftermarket Substitute Parts on Subaru Vehicles)

Links to the position statements are:
Structural: https://www.oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Subaru_Pos_Structural-Repairs_FINAL%283-9-2020%29.pdf
Aftermarket: https://www.oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Subaru_Pos_Aftermarket-Parts_FINAL%283-9-2020%29.pdf

EPA Rulemaking Extentions
U.S. House Democrats are requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extend comment periods on all its rulemakings during the coronavirus outbreak.  According to a letter to EPA by over 70 Democrat Member of Congress  they stated that “There are several EPA regulations that directly impact the environment and human health for which the review process has continued without sufficient opportunity for the public to engage during the coronavirus pandemic…”   Amongst the many proposed rules are the new stormwater regulations whose comments are due by May 1.  ARA is closely monitoring this issue.
 
Stay safe and our thoughts are with those who will not be with family during this Passover.