Editorial: A future that is yours
for the making
The reports of perc’s imminent
demise have been a bit exaggerated. While the future remains
unclear, it is best not to assume anything about the fate of
the industry’s most popular solvent in southern
California.
The state’s South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD) started quite a ripple when it
announced its intentions to make amendments to Rule 1421, which
would, among other things, outright eliminate the use of perc
in the region by 2011. Local cleaners would also be restricted
from purchasing new perc drycleaning equipment as of January 1,
2004.
The amendments target the areas of Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino — an area
which represents approximately 2,100 cleaners. But, who is to
say that the ripple would end there? Could the rest of the
states follow suit? Could perc become an endangered solvent
from coast to coast?
It’s pointless to jump to any
conclusions, especially since the controversy is still in its
initial stage. In fact, SCAQMD has already revised its proposed
amendments once, largely as the result of feedback from various
members and representatives of the International Fabricare
Institute, the California Cleaners Association, the Korean
Drycleaners-Laundry Association, the Korean American Business
Association, the California Department of Corrections and the
California Small Business Alliance. Suddenly, the elimination
of perc by 2011 was pushed back another seven years until 2018.
The new requirements were changed to allow new perc equipment
purchases until January 1, 2006, among other things.
But, don’t write those numbers down
just yet. More changes may well be coming. It is still possible
that perc will not even be eliminated at all in southern
California. At the very least, SCAQMD’s amendments may be
further amended.
The important thing to remember is that
the industry has already made a difference. Cleaners voiced
their concerns and the associations listened. When the
associations voiced the industry’s concerns, SCAQMD
listened. Now, industry representatives from IFI, HSIA, CCA and
KDLA are working on a “counter proposal” at the
request of SCAQMD. Both parties are trying to find an
acceptable point of compromise. It may take a long time before
one is found, and it’s anyone’s guess as to what
the future will look like.
For now, the future is malleable and
cleaners can help shape it.
