FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW JERSEY GREEN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR PROGRAM
RECOGNIZES THE STATE’S “GREEN” AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOPS

Springfield, N.J., April 21, 2009 – The New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program (NJGARP) was launched today to encourage the state’s automotive repair facilities – including dealerships and independent shops – to implement environmentally-friendly business practices and certify them as “green” businesses.

A partnership between the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR) and the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NJGARP’s goal is to promote “green” practices by the state’s automotive repair facilities in an effort to minimize their impact on the environment.

"With more than 4,000 auto repair shops in New Jersey, this program has the potential to significantly improve our environment," said DEP Assistant Commissioner Nancy Wittenberg. "By encouraging auto repair shops to go green, we are reducing the amount of waste going into landfills and preventing polluted water from entering storm drains and waterways."

“The franchised automotive retail community is proud to be a part of this worthwhile and all too necessary environmental program,” said James B. Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. “It is vital for all consumers to maintain their vehicles to ensure they operate efficiently and as cleanly as possible. Likewise, anything that businesses, including automotive repair facilities, can do to reduce their environmental footprint is a win for everyone: consumers, the environment and the facility itself.”

NJGARP committee members worked with the DEP to develop a checklist of “green” initiatives that automotive repair facilities can implement in an effort to become more environmentally responsible. Each “green” initiative a facility implements is assigned a point value. Repair shops must achieve a minimum of 300 points to qualify for – and maintain – New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program-certification and “green” business recognition.

The checklist includes: pollution prevention and resource conservation measures; waste fluids management; energy and water conservation efforts; waste water reduction; recycling practices; and protection of customers and workers at the facility. Facilities must apply for recertification every two years, and NJGARP committee members will conduct on-site evaluations to determine if facilities continue to meet the specifications of the program and re-certify them. “

Good environmental policy translates into good business practice,” said Sal Risalvato, Executive Director of the New Jersey Gasoline-C- Store-Automotive Association. “When a repair shop conserves water and energy, they save money and contribute to the overall good of the environment.”

Seven facilities were awarded “New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program-certification” and recognition as “green” businesses:

• JD Automotive & Truck (Dover)
• James Toyota (Flemington)
• Liberty Hyundai (Mahwah)
• Long Hill Auto (Millington)
• Shade Tree Garage (Morristown)
• Toyota of Morristown (Morristown)

For more information on NJGARP, visit www.njgreenautorepair.org

About NJGARP

The New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program is overseen by the New Jersey Green Automotive Business Council. The Council – a 501(c) (3) organization – is an alliance between New Jersey's automotive business leaders, including the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers and the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association.