Members of both chambers of Congress have introduced versions of a bill that would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from regulating the conversion of street motorcycles and other motor vehicles into competition-only racers. The EPA failed to provide proper notice of this regulation, including it in an unrelated heavy-duty-truck regulation. The proposed rule would hurt thousands of amateur and professional motorcycle racing enthusiasts and the millions of fans who enjoy motorcycle competition.
The bi-partisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (H.R. 4715 and S. 2659, RPM Act) would ensure that converting motor vehicles into competition-only vehicles remains legal. Street motorcycles are considered motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act.
The RPM Act was introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.).
The Senate version was introduced by U.S. Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.).
The act states that it was the clear intent of Congress when passing and amending the Clean Air Act that motor vehicles, including motorcycles, used solely for competition would be exempt from the Clean Air Act’s prohibitions against modifying emission control devices.
On March 15th, The House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology’s Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing on this issue. You can watch the hearing, as well as read the statements given by the Rep. McHenry, the Preident and CEO of SEMA, as well as the President of National Speed Sports News, Ralph Sheheen, here.
The American Motorcyclist Association supports the bills and their protections for amateur and professional racing enthusiasts.
Tell your senators and representatives that you support S. 2659 and H.R. 4715. Send a prewritten email by using the easy-to-use AMA Action Center.
The RPM Act now has 13 cosponsors in the House and 3 in the Senate, if your Representative or Senator is already a sponsor, you can thank them for their support as well.
The AMA is coordinating efforts with the Specialty Equipment Market Association and other racing sanctioning bodies in support of the RPM Act. SEMA represents vehicle aftermarket manufacturers, marketers and distributers.
Take Action
Now more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help protect our riding freedoms. More members mean more clout against the opponents of motorcycling. That support will help fight for your rights – on the road, trail and racetrack and in the halls of government. If you are a motorcycle rider, join the AMA at americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
