Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Richard Burr
09.15.21
This week, Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) reintroduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, legislation to protect American motorsports from unnecessary regulatory overreach by the federal government.
For decades, amateur motorsport enthusiasts have converted street vehicles into dedicated racecars to race on non-public roads. However, in 2015, the Obama Administration proposed a rule that would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fine these enthusiasts for converting their personal cars into racecars. This rule contradicted Congressional intent in the Clean Air Act, an interpretation that has been upheld for more than 50 years. Although the EPA removed this devastating language from its final rulemaking, the agency still maintains vehicle modification of motorsports is unlawful.
“Amateur motorsports are a unique American pastime,” said Senator Burr. “This bipartisan legislation provides certainty for folks who enjoy America’s long-held racing tradition, in the spirit Congress intended when it passed the Clean Air Act more than 50 years ago. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this commonsense legislation to protect the legacy of American motorsports for years to come.”
“Folks in the motorsport community have always relied on the freedom to modify their vehicles to race and compete,” said Senator Tester. “This legislation will codify that freedom into law by preventing unnecessary regulations on motorsport hobbyists, allowing amateurs and professionals alike to uphold tradition while still following the intent of the Clean Air Act.”
“Arizona has a rich tradition of motorsports and racing which also plays a role in our state’s economy,” said Senator Kelly. “The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 will protect Arizona’s amateur racers and auto mechanics from burdensome regulations so these enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the hobby and thrill of motorsports in our state and across the country.”
Background:
In 1965, Congress passed the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act, which amended the Clean Air Act to set the first federal vehicle emission standards. It defined the term “motor vehicle” as “any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway.” In 1970, Congress clarified that the Clean Air Act’s anti-tampering provision for reducing harmful air pollutants does not apply to vehicles manufactured or modified for racing.
Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990, directing the EPA to set emission standards for “non-road vehicles” that contribute to air pollution. It excluded vehicles “used solely for competition” from these new rules. This clarification was instructive as it separated vehicles used in organized racing from “motor vehicles.”
After examining the legislative history, it is clear that Congress never intended to provide the EPA with the authority to regulate vehicles used solely for competition, including vehicles modified to be used exclusively for racing.
The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act simply reaffirms Congressional intent of the Clean Air Act, further protecting amateur motorsports from unnecessary regulation in the future.
Senator Burr first introduced the RPM Act in 2016 and reintroduced it in 2019.
Organizations supporting the RPM Act include:
· American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
· Auto Care Association (Auto Care)
· Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA)
· California Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA)
· Formula Drift
· Harley-Davidson
· International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)
· LKQ Corporation (LKQ Corp)
· Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)
· Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC)
· Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
· National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)
· North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA)
· Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)
· Performance Racing Industry (PRI)
· Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades (SSDA-AT)
· Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
· Tire Industry Association (TIA)