EPA Update: Members of Congress Joining Fight to Save Racecars

Several Members of Congress have not only proposed the RPM Act to save racecars, but have begun to put pressure on the EPA

The 2016 short track racing season is ready to swing into full gear. While most racers are turning their attention to battling on the track, an on-going battle continues off the track. It is a battle that could prove crucial for the future of the sport.

At the beginning of the month of March, SEMA reported the proposal by several members of congress named the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (or RPM) Act of 2016.” It is bill that aims to stop the EPA’s overreaching regulations and ensure that converting street vehicles to competition-only racecars does not violate the law.

Since that time, many supporters of the sport chimed in by writing a letter to their representative in congress. SEMA made it easy by providing this link www.sema.org/rpmletter. Because of this outpouring of support, some members of congress are beginning to speak up and take the fight directly to the EPA.

Most recently Richard Hudson (R-NC) questioned EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in a joint hearing on the heels of last week’s U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Oversight Subcommittee hearing with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. Representative Hudson stated,

“… not only is this an important part of the way of life for a lot of Americans who enjoy taking cars and modifying them so they can race, but it’s a billion-dollar industry of aftermarket folks who make parts for people to use in competition. I remember back in February you testified before the committee and you made the point that, ‘Not one EPA regulation has ever cost one job.’ Well I’m telling you this is a billion-dollar industry that will be wiped out if we can’t clarify this and make sure the intent you’ve expressed is reflected in the regulation.”

This statement comes just after Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-California) and Austin Scott (R-Georgia) wrote a letter to McCarthy requesting clarity on the regulation and certainty for racers and our industry. A highlight of their letter states,”

“Within the rulemaking the EPA argues that it is simply clarifying a longstanding EPA policy. We beg to differ.

As you are aware, Americans have been modifying their vehicles and converting them into racecars for generations. The policy is incorporated in the name “National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing” (NASCAR). Beyond that obvious example, millions of enthusiasts go to a wide variety of tracks every year to race or watch formerly-certified vehicles compete, from sports cars to motorcycles, and everything in-between. This is an important part of our American automotive heritage.

The rule would have a devastating economic impact were it to take effect. Jobs would be lost due to cancelled product sales and installations. Enthusiasts would be deprived of the opportunity to race their modified vehicles. Track events would be cancelled. Individuals and entities ignoring the policy would be exposed to enforcement and civil penalties.

Despite these obvious consequences, no economic analysis was undertaken by the EPA when issuing the proposed rule. The impact on small businesses was not considered.”

With some allies in congress the RPM Act is starting to gain momentum. The short track racing community can continue to put pressure on the EPA by taking time to visit www.sema.org/rpmletter and writing your representative in congress to support the RPM Act of 2016.