Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law legislation which bans the manufacture, sale and use of lead wheel weights in California effective January 1, 2010. The automakers have agreed to stop using the weights as original equipment, and the three major manufacturers of wheel weights in the United States will stop distributing lead weights in California by the end of 2009.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a voluntary nationwide initiative in 2008 and began a rulemaking process this summer which may eventually translate into a mandatory federal ban. The weights have been banned in the European Union since 2005.

At issue is concern that the weights fall off tires and become environmental hazards or are contaminants in the metal recycling process. In the environment, the weights may be ground into fine dust particles and turn into lead oxides, hydroxides or bicarbonates. Lead particles and chemical combinations also pose the risk of contaminating surface and ground water supplies.

Automakers, tire makers and the aftermarket are turning to three main substitute materials: steel, zinc or composites. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced its intention to regulate “recreational off-highway vehicles” (ROVs), rejecting as inadequate a voluntary industry standard.

ROVs can attain speeds greater than 30 miles per hour and are configured differently than all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ROVs have four or more low-pressure tires and generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars. The vehicles are not regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since they are intended for off-road, recreational use only. The CPSC cited concerns that the vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics and inadequate occupant crash protection during a rollover. The agency has requested public comments on ways to reduce the risks it associates with ROVs. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced its intention to regulate “recreational off-highway vehicles” (ROVs), rejecting as inadequate a voluntary industry standard.

ROVs can attain speeds greater than 30 miles per hour and are configured differently than all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ROVs have four or more low-pressure tires and generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars. The vehicles are not regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since they are intended for off-road, recreational use only. The CPSC cited concerns that the vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics and inadequate occupant crash protection during a rollover. The agency has requested public comments on ways to reduce the risks it associates with ROVs. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced its intention to regulate “recreational off-highway vehicles” (ROVs), rejecting as inadequate a voluntary industry standard.

ROVs can attain speeds greater than 30 miles per hour and are configured differently than all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ROVs have four or more low-pressure tires and generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars. The vehicles are not regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since they are intended for off-road, recreational use only. The CPSC cited concerns that the vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics and inadequate occupant crash protection during a rollover. The agency has requested public comments on ways to reduce the risks it associates with ROVs. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein.

The cornerstone of the Young Executives Network (YEN), a SEMA committee, is providing opportunities to network and learn from others with the specialty-equipment industry. Membership in YEN is open to all SEMA-member company employees under the age of 40 at no cost.

Greg Parker, marketing and creative consultant with Martin & Company Advertising, is now taking the lead as the chairman of YEN. SEMA Member News recently spoke to Parker about his new role as chairman.

The cornerstone of the Young Executives Network (YEN), a SEMA committee, is providing opportunities to network and learn from others with the specialty-equipment industry. Membership in YEN is open to all SEMA-member company employees under the age of 40 at no cost.

Greg Parker, marketing and creative consultant with Martin & Company Advertising, is now taking the lead as the chairman of YEN. SEMA Member News recently spoke to Parker about his new role as chairman.