A- The Environmental Protection Agency issued a regulation to control Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from architectural coatings with an effective date of September 13, 1999. This rule affects manufacturers of coatings for sports floors. The VOC limit on clear varnishes (finishes) is 450 grams per liter. Sanding sealers have a VOC limit of 550 grams per liter. All states must adopt these limitations with the option of enforcing more severe limitations; e.g., most of California has a limitation of 350 grams per liter for clear varnishes (finishes) and seals. Manufacturers of coatings have an option to continue manufacturing clear varnishes (finishes) and seals that exceed the limitations, but must pay the government an exceedance fee on each gallon sold. Hillyard will continue to produce clear varnishes and seals (Trophy", Trophy Plus, and Gold Medalist") using this option.