BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The auto industry has long been known for being not so environmentally friendly. But a new rule that took effect January 1 has the industry joining in on the green movement.

All auto body shops in the San Joaquin Valley are now required to used water-based paints and do away with solvent-based paints which contain a high level of VOCs, a chemical compound known to harm the environment.

"What we're trying to do is reduce the products that make ozone in order to lower the ozone layer to meet that federal standard. And VOC, volatile organic compound, is one of those things that we have to reduce," said Mike Oldershaw of the Air Pollution Control District.

Even though the rule is fairly new, Bakersfield Auto Body in the Southwest switched to green paint eight months ago.

"It makes you feel good that we are trying to go green," said Kim Andreatta, owner of Bakersfield Auto Body. "It's something as a shop owner in an industry that probably has not the best reputation as far as in the past as automotive being green. It makes us proud to put that green stamp on our business."

But the green stamp comes with a price. Businesses and distributors said it has been a costly change. Andreatta said the paints cost more and because they dry slower he had to install a special ventilation system.

Finish Masters in Downtown Bakersfield have helped close to 30 local auto body shops convert to a water-based system.

"Body shops have had to relearn how to use their product. It is a little bit different than solvent-based was used. A little bit different in the materials and how the stuff sprays out," said Ronn Buchanan, manager of Finish Masters.

Buchanan said they've had to switch out all of their stock to comply with the new rules. They still have a stack of boxes in their back room that need to be sent back to the distributor.

The Air Pollution Control District said they are already checking to see if businesses are in compliance. Oldershaw said if a business is found not complying, it will be fined.