“Our industry needs to have a voice in legislation that might be onerous to our industry or positive to automotive aftermarket companies,” says Jeff Groves of O’Reilly Auto Parts
California’s legislative and regulatory environment has never been more active or more consequential for the automotive aftermarket.
Issues such as Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) legislation, PAGA reform, Proposition 65 enforcement, R-134A refrigerant phase-out policies, hazardous waste oversight, and numerous other regulatory initiatives have the potential to significantly affect our business and the industry as a whole.
O’Reilly Auto Parts, CAWA Pac Sub-Committee Chair
Furthermore, our industry needs to have a voice in legislation that might be onerous to our industry or positive to automotive aftermarket companies.
Unlike the federal system, California law permits corporations to contribute directly to state political action committees (PACs). This provides your company with a unique opportunity to invest in an organization that is working to build meaningful relationships with policymakers who make decisions affecting our industry.
Successful advocacy is built long before legislation is introduced. The CAWA PAC exists to help establish relationships with legislators and other elected officials on a “clear day” — before a crisis or legislative challenge arises.
By developing credibility and trust over time, CAWA is better positioned to secure access to lawmakers when critical issues emerge. Those relationships ensure that policymakers are familiar with our industry, understand the economic importance of the independent automotive aftermarket, and are more receptive to hearing our perspective when legislative or regulatory decisions are being made.
This proactive approach is essential. When significant issues arise — including ERP legislation, PAGA reform, Proposition 65 enforcement, R-134A phase-out implementation, hazardous waste regulation, Right to Repair and other industry priorities — CAWA’s ability to effectively advocate depends on having established relationships and trusted access with decision-makers.
Many of our industry’s leading companies have already demonstrated their commitment to protecting the aftermarket through meaningful financial support of the CAWA PAC. CARE, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Worldpac, APW Knox Seeman Warehouse, NAPA Auto Parts (Galt & Lodi) and AutoZone have each committed to an annual corporate contribution.
Other respected industry leaders, including LKQ and Dorman, have also made substantial contributions in support of these efforts.
The CAWA Political Action Sub-Committee believes that every member company and the industry as a whole should participate at a level appropriate to its size and resources, with larger organizations making more substantial investments that reflect both their leadership role and the importance of the issues facing our industry.
The results are already evident. The CAWA PAC has grown from approximately $20,000 to more than $130,000. This momentum demonstrates both the industry’s commitment and the effectiveness of the fundraising effort.
However, continued participation will be essential if the PAC is to maintain the resources necessary to build relationships, engage policymakers, and effectively advocate on behalf of the independent automotive aftermarket.
A contribution to the CAWA PAC is more than a political contribution — it is an investment in protecting our industry’s future. Participation helps ensure that CAWA has the relationships, credibility, and resources necessary to influence public policy, protect our business interests, and preserve a healthy and competitive automotive aftermarket in California.
Thanks for your consideration and assistance in getting your company involved. For additional information and to make your company’s commitment to the PAC, contact CAWA’s President and CEO Rodney Pierini at admin@cawa.org or 916-635-9774. To make an immediate contribution click here.
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