Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/653298
IN THE WIND P34 RPM ACT WOULD STOP EPA FROM REGULATING RACE BIKES F ive members of Congress have introduced a bill that would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from regulating the conver- sion of street bikes and other motor vehicles into competition-only racers. The bipartisan RPM Act (Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016, H.R. 4715) would create and clarify an exemption from a proposed EPA regulation for motor vehicles used solely for competition. The AMA is calling for language that specifically exempts competition motorcycles from EPA regulation. U.S. Reps Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Posey (R-FL) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) introduced the bill on March 8. A hearing on EPA overreach is scheduled for March 15 before the House Committee on Sci- ence, Space, & Technology Oversight Subcommit- tee. The RPM Act is expected to be a part of that discussion. "The RPM Act would make it clear that it has always been legal to modify motor vehicles—in- cluding motorcycles—for competition-only use," said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard. "This practice continued unques- tioned until last July, when the EPA proposed a new regulation that would make these conversions illegal. The EPA has never claimed the conversion of street vehicles into competition vehicles was prohibited before this regulation was proposed." The RPM Act states that it was the clear intent of Congress in passing and amending the Clean Air Act that vehicles manufactured for, modified for or used in organized motorized racing events would not be included in the Clean Air Act's definition of a "motor vehicle." The AMA is aligning its efforts with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and other racing sanctioning bodies to block the EPA's proposed regulation of competition-only vehicles, including motorcycles. SEMA represents vehicle aftermarket manufacturers, marketers and distribu- tors. In the past, SEMA has worked closely with the EPA to make sure products designed explicitly for this kind of modification were acceptable. "The EPA's new interpretation of the Clean Air Act would essentially rewrite the law and 46 years of policy and practice," said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "Without congressional in- tervention, the racing community and racing parts manufacturers would be operating outside of that new law and could be targeted for enforcement." Motorsports competition involves tens of thou- sands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. The AMA sanctions more than 1700 competition events each year. According to SEMA, retail sales of racing products total $1.4 billion annually. The National Speedway Directory shows there are more than 1300 racetracks operating across the United States. The EPA recently re-opened the proposed regulation for more public comment. Watch for AMA Action Alerts when targeted reaction from individuals can make a difference. The regulation is scheduled for final approval this summer. CN Congress has introduced a bill to keep it legal to modify motor vehicles for competition use.