SCADA’s annual convention in September was cen- tered on the theme of battling the underground economy and its effects on California auto dismantlers and recyclers. The efforts of SCADA made such a dif- ference that several key governmental and public agencies took part and were featured speakers. Felicia Marcos, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), spoke highly of SCADA’s efforts to reach out to her department about unli- censed and unpermitted competition as well as the recently approved General Industrial Storm Water Permit that will go into effect next year. “Licensed recyclers are good housekeepers and play an important role in properly processing end-of- life vehicles,” said Marcus. “Before we create new reg- ulations we need to consider how it affects industry, and working with industry association’s is effective and has proven successful in reaching solutions. Because of SCADA’s efforts, we’ll have a better rule. We now have a better understanding how recyclers provide socially acceptable, useful products and serv- ices. End-of-life vehicles need to go to licensed recy- clers – they provide jobs, tax revenue, and have proven to be great caretakers of the environment.”

“The decline in registered licensed recyclers is disproportionate to the growth in the number of end-of-life vehicles in our state and that’s a problem. SCADA representatives have presented a plan to address the problem of unlicensed dismantlers. “ – Jerome Horton, Chair of the Board of Equalization

SCADA’s efforts also influenced DMV Deputy Chiefs Vito Scattaglia and Greg Huber who were speakers at the convention as well. They spoke to recent investigative efforts statewide and their divi- sion’s plans to increase enforcement against unli- censed dismantlers. According to Scattaglia and Huber, the “underground economy is bad for the state, devastating for licensed dismantlers, and “that the DMV is, and should be, held responsible for a timely response and reporting”.

Jerome Horton, Chair of the Board of Equalization, spoke about ways his department is addressing under- ground economy issues that are spiraling out of con- trol because there has been a huge increase in

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