Last week, the EPA retracted some controversial language from its vehicle emssions standards proposal which the auto and racing industry had called out as potentially harmful to the health of the industry.
The language, referring to standards designed to further limit greenhouse gas emissions from medium and heavy-duty engines, had the potential to effect engine modifications for race cars.
The EPA claims that it was intended only to apply to illegal street car modifications, but SEMA and other industry leaders claim that it was over-reaching and left them vulnerable to the effects of this legislation. The retraction of the language is an attempt to clarify the position.
That behind said, many in the industry still believe the EPA is over-stepping, and the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act has been introduced into congress as a reaction to this, supported by many in congress.
From SEMA:
“The industry has been great at taking the time to urge their legislators to support the RPM Act—and we’re seeing the impact,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We’re finding that once the issue is explained and people understand what it means, they immediately take action and contact their representatives.”
Currently, the co-sponsors of the House bill (H.R. 4715) are: Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Posey (R-FL), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Mimi Walters (R-CA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Robert Hurt (R-VA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), J. French Hill (R-AR), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Ralph Abraham (R-LA), Brad Ashford (D-NE), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Diane Black (R-TN), Paul Cook (R-CA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Trent Kelly (R-MS), John Kline (R-MN), Todd Rokita (R-IN), Susan W. Brooks (R-IN), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Michael C. Burgess (R-TX), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), James B. Renacci (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Mike Pompeo (R-KS), and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO).
Co-sponsors of the Senate bill (S. 2659) are: Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Dean Heller (R-NV), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.).
Additionally, the chairman and members of the influential U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee recently pressed the EPA administrator for more information on the agency’s controversial interpretation of the law and the proposed regulation.
“SEMA members are urged to contact their legislators to request their support of the RPM Act, particularly if their legislators are not already on the list above,” said Kersting. “Member companies are also encouraged to spread the word with their employees and customers.”
To sign the petition, go here: https://www.votervoice.net/SEMA/campaigns/45394/respond