From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
A key member of the Trump Administration with oversight over parts of our nation's transportation system is moving toward an official first day on the job. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee this week voted to approve Jonathan Morrison's nomination to be the next administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- SEMA supports Morrison's nomination and commends the committee for advancing it to the Senate floor. NHTSA has an important role in developing vehicle safety policy for the nation, and SEMA is looking forward to a strong partnership with the agency's incoming leadership.
The next step is for the Senate to hold a vote on the nomination before Mr. Morrison can officially be sworn in to run NHTSA, which is responsible for regulating motor vehicles and automotive parts.
Morrison served as NHTSA's general counsel from 2017 to 2021. He previously served as the president of Auto Advisory Services, Inc. in Orange County, California and was the director of legal and regulatory affairs for the California New Car Dealers Association.
Morrison is a highly qualified nominee and an excellent choice to serve as NHTSA administrator.
Background
SEMA works closely with NHTSA on vehicle technology and safety policy. Given that we are at a critical juncture for vehicle technology, NHTSA will play a critical role in regulating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology that's found in most new vehicles. SEMA is advocating for the agency to advance policies to ensure that aftermarket businesses and vehicle owners have the access to vehicle systems and the tools they need to maintain the safety and performance integrity of ADAS for the full lifecycle of a vehicle, including after a vehicle has been modified, customized, serviced, and post collision.
It is critical that NHTSA policies promote the sharing of ADAS calibration information, data and testing procedures/information with the aftermarket and lifecycle support for ADAS, including the sharing of instructions, application guides, proper mounting or functionality tolerances or the access needed to safely make modifications.
For additional information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
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