Auto repair specialists in north Idaho looking to find ways to lessen their impact on the environment will have the opportunity to learn earth-friendly business practices at a training being held in Coeur D'Alene on Tuesday, April 27.  The training is sponsored by the Idaho Department of Environment Quality (DEQ), the state's version of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According the Joanna Pierce, spokesperson for DEQ, the event, taking place on the campus of North Idaho College, has 18 people planning to attend and will be provided at no direct cost to the state.  Pierce said that EPA, which oversees regulations on air pollutants, is providing training materials for the conference.  National Coatings and Supplies, distributor of automotive paint, auto body supplies, and equipment based in Garden City, is providing personnel to teach attendees.

The training will focus on paint spray guns, and which painting methods and selections are safe for the environment.  Those who work in repair shops and use paint spray guns will satisfy requirements set forth by the EPA in 2008, which require training for the proper and most efficient application of paint using the high-pressure guns.

The event is free for attendees, but those wishing to attend must pre-register on DEQ's website.  Pierce said that this type of conference is common in the state and that the department will put on other trainings for different sectors of the economy based on perceived needs of local businesses.