House Panel Urges Forest Service to Reconsider Its Planning Rule
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:19

A House Natural Resources Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Forest Service’s draft rule for managing the country’s 193 million acres for national forests and grasslands. Previous versions of the “Planning Rule” have been rejected by the courts in recent years. Among the organizations invited to testify at the hearing was the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). SEMA has partnered with BRC in opposition to the proposed "Planning Rule" on grounds that it does not adequately protect access for motorized recreation and will be a source of ongoing litigation.  

During the hearing, a number of Subcommittee members expressed concern that the proposed Planning Rule was too vague to prevent future lawsuits and incorporated undefined terms. For example, while maintaining the viability of wildlife populations has always been a requirement, critics expressed dismay that the traditional definition of “species” would be expanded beyond vertebrates to cover virtually any type of animal and plant, including slugs. Opponents, including SEMA and the BRC, do not believe the rule adequately defines how to differentiate between conflicting goals. Many in the off-road community fear the rule may be applied in a protectionist fashion rather than accommodating multiple-use activities, a stated intent.

The issue is of importance to SEMA-member companies that market products to the off-road community based on their ability to have access to Forest Service roads and trails. The Congressional panel urged the Forest Service to revise the Planning Rule so as to provide a clearer explanation of guidelines and to ensure a “full mix of recreational opportunities.” 

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

House Panel Urges Forest Service to Reconsider Its Planning Rule
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:19

A House Natural Resources Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Forest Service’s draft rule for managing the country’s 193 million acres for national forests and grasslands. Previous versions of the “Planning Rule” have been rejected by the courts in recent years. Among the organizations invited to testify at the hearing was the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). SEMA has partnered with BRC in opposition to the proposed "Planning Rule" on grounds that it does not adequately protect access for motorized recreation and will be a source of ongoing litigation.  

During the hearing, a number of Subcommittee members expressed concern that the proposed Planning Rule was too vague to prevent future lawsuits and incorporated undefined terms. For example, while maintaining the viability of wildlife populations has always been a requirement, critics expressed dismay that the traditional definition of “species” would be expanded beyond vertebrates to cover virtually any type of animal and plant, including slugs. Opponents, including SEMA and the BRC, do not believe the rule adequately defines how to differentiate between conflicting goals. Many in the off-road community fear the rule may be applied in a protectionist fashion rather than accommodating multiple-use activities, a stated intent.

The issue is of importance to SEMA-member companies that market products to the off-road community based on their ability to have access to Forest Service roads and trails. The Congressional panel urged the Forest Service to revise the Planning Rule so as to provide a clearer explanation of guidelines and to ensure a “full mix of recreational opportunities.” 

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Government Finalizes Proposal to Double Vehicle Fuel Economy by 2025
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:18

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued draft regulations to set fuel economy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions limits for model year (MY) 2017–2025 vehicles. The fleetwide average will rise from 35.5 mpg at the end of 2016 to 54.5 mpg for MY 2025—a nearly 5% annual increase with slightly lower standards for light-duty trucks. The government estimates that the standards will cost about $157 billion to implement, with net benefits ranging from $252 billion to $358 billion. It is also estimated that the rules would add $2,000 to the price of a new passenger car sold in 2025, but save more than $6,000 in fuel costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. In order to obtain the fuel savings, the automakers will rely on improvements of conventional technologies, including more efficient engines and transmissions and higher-strength, light-weight materials. Some manufacturers may also pursue more advanced fuel-saving technologies, such as hybrid vehicles, clean diesel engines, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles and electric vehicles.

The fuel-economy standards were agreed to in principal earlier this summer by most of the automakers. The agreement preserves California’s authority to regulate CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases while creating a single national standard. CO2 emissions and fuel economy are linked since carbon dioxide is a byproduct of fossil-fuel combustion. Although the agreement is intended to preserve vehicle affordability, choice and safety, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has expressed concern about the added costs to consumers and whether buyers will have access to vehicles that meet their needs.  

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Government Finalizes Proposal to Double Vehicle Fuel Economy by 2025
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:18

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued draft regulations to set fuel economy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions limits for model year (MY) 2017–2025 vehicles. The fleetwide average will rise from 35.5 mpg at the end of 2016 to 54.5 mpg for MY 2025—a nearly 5% annual increase with slightly lower standards for light-duty trucks. The government estimates that the standards will cost about $157 billion to implement, with net benefits ranging from $252 billion to $358 billion. It is also estimated that the rules would add $2,000 to the price of a new passenger car sold in 2025, but save more than $6,000 in fuel costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. In order to obtain the fuel savings, the automakers will rely on improvements of conventional technologies, including more efficient engines and transmissions and higher-strength, light-weight materials. Some manufacturers may also pursue more advanced fuel-saving technologies, such as hybrid vehicles, clean diesel engines, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles and electric vehicles.

The fuel-economy standards were agreed to in principal earlier this summer by most of the automakers. The agreement preserves California’s authority to regulate CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases while creating a single national standard. CO2 emissions and fuel economy are linked since carbon dioxide is a byproduct of fossil-fuel combustion. Although the agreement is intended to preserve vehicle affordability, choice and safety, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has expressed concern about the added costs to consumers and whether buyers will have access to vehicles that meet their needs.  

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

House Passes Bill to Reduce Regulatory Burdens
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:17

The U.S. House of Representatives passed SEMA-supported legislation to reduce the cost of burdensome regulations on business owners and job creators. The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 would require federal agencies to conduct a cost-benefit analysis when issuing new rules. Although a few laws already permit such analysis, the legislation would overturn the prohibition contained in other laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Endangered Species Act.

The data and evidence gathered in the analysis would be subject to judicial review. Agencies would generally be required to adopt the “least costly” approach to achieve policy goals established by Congress. A companion bill faces an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate and a presidential veto over concerns that it could make it more difficult for agencies to enact regulations. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

House Passes Bill to Reduce Regulatory Burdens
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:17

The U.S. House of Representatives passed SEMA-supported legislation to reduce the cost of burdensome regulations on business owners and job creators. The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 would require federal agencies to conduct a cost-benefit analysis when issuing new rules. Although a few laws already permit such analysis, the legislation would overturn the prohibition contained in other laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Endangered Species Act.

The data and evidence gathered in the analysis would be subject to judicial review. Agencies would generally be required to adopt the “least costly” approach to achieve policy goals established by Congress. A companion bill faces an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate and a presidential veto over concerns that it could make it more difficult for agencies to enact regulations. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA Action Network Highlights 10 Best and Worst Bills of 2011
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:16

As the state legislatures close down their legislative sessions, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) resumes its yearly feature highlighting the best and worst automotive bills of 2011. While some of these bills were enacted into law, many did not make it through this year and could be reintroduced in future sessions. Keep an eye out and get ready to help us support the best and oppose the worst in 2012!

SAN is a nationwide partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With more than 60,000 North American members, SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts. SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments. Join now at www.semasan.com.

BEST

1.
  Washington S.B. 5586: Prohibits cities or towns from restricting inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, stored on private property if screened from public view. Bill was not enacted into law.
2.
  New York A.B. 2080/S.B. 3213: Creates a $100 one-time fee that would replace the current annual fee of $28.75 for the registration of historical motor vehicles. Bill was not enacted into law. 
3.
  Maryland H.B. 155, New Jersey A.B. 448/S.B. 687, New Mexico S.B. 412, New York A.B. 2073/S.B. 201, Texas H.B. 890, Washington S.B. 5585: Creates vehicle registration and titling classifications for street rods and custom vehicles, including kit cars and replicas, and provides for special license plates. The Texas and Washington bills were enacted into law. 
4.
  Connecticut S.B. 723: Extends the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles five model years old or newer. Bill was not enacted into law.
5.  
  Illinois H.B. 3256: Provides for an expanded-use antique-vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year, from April 1 through October 31. Bill was enacted into law.  
6.
  Michigan H.B. 4885: Prohibits the state from imposing a vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) tax or mileage-based user fee on motor vehicles, to include any global-positioning-satellite-based toll or similar program that would provide for the locational tracking of private motor vehicles or users. Bill was not enacted into law.
7.
  North Carolina H.B. 187: Requires ethanol content labels on all pumps that dispense ethanol-blended gasoline. Bill was enacted into law.  
8.
  Oklahoma S.B. 160: Allows municipalities to issue permits for sanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction. Bill was enacted into law.  
9. 
  Tennessee H.B. 688: Exempts vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s annual emissions inspection and maintenance program. Previous law in Tennessee only exempted vehicles manufactured before the ’75 model year from emissions inspection. Bill was enacted into law. 
10. 
  West Virginia H.B. 2456: Allows vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test. Bill was not enacted into law. 


WORST

1.
  West Virginia H.B. 2190: Includes vehicles with exhaust systems deemed too loud, as determined by an enforcement officer’s subjective opinion, in the definition of “disturbing the peace,” a crime that carries a fine of up to $1,000 per occurrence, jail for six months or both. Bill was not enacted into law.
2.
  Arkansas H.B. 1252: Allows cities to remove an inoperable vehicle from private property if the vehicle is deemed a “nuisance” under a local ordinance. Bill was not enacted into law.
3. 
  Connecticut H.B. 5580: Increases from 20 to 30 years old, the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” and increases the tax assessment on vehicles registered as antiques from $500 to $2,500. Bill was not enacted into law.
4. 
  Hawaii H.B. 1178: Bans the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 in. in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system, any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatch back. Bill was not enacted into law.
5.
  Massachusetts H.B. 1848, New York A.B. 1318: Imposes additional fees on the purchase of larger or higher-emitting vehicles, based on state calculations of carbon emissions and/or vehicle weight. Bills were not enacted into law.
6. 
  Nebraska L.B. 698: Removes labeling requirements on pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasoline. Bill was not enacted into law.
7. 
  North Dakota H.B. 1442: Prohibits the modification of any motor vehicle that altered the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system. Bill was not enacted into law.
8. 
  Oregon H.B. 3214: Prohibits the sale of exhaust systems and exhaust-system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise exceeding certain undetermined noise limits. Bill was not enacted into law.
9. 
  Oregon H.B. 3147: Bans vehicles whose bumpers were elevated more than 3 in. over the original manufactured bumper clearance and imposes a fine of up to $360 per offense. Bill was not enacted into law.
10.
  Washington H.B. 1134: Requires an annual renewal fee of $30 (added to the one-time $35 license plate fee) for collector-vehicle and horseless carriage license plates. Bill was not enacted into law.
SEMA Action Network Highlights 10 Best and Worst Bills of 2011
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:16

As the state legislatures close down their legislative sessions, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) resumes its yearly feature highlighting the best and worst automotive bills of 2011. While some of these bills were enacted into law, many did not make it through this year and could be reintroduced in future sessions. Keep an eye out and get ready to help us support the best and oppose the worst in 2012!

SAN is a nationwide partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With more than 60,000 North American members, SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts. SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments. Join now at www.semasan.com.

BEST

1.
  Washington S.B. 5586: Prohibits cities or towns from restricting inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, stored on private property if screened from public view. Bill was not enacted into law.
2.
  New York A.B. 2080/S.B. 3213: Creates a $100 one-time fee that would replace the current annual fee of $28.75 for the registration of historical motor vehicles. Bill was not enacted into law. 
3.
  Maryland H.B. 155, New Jersey A.B. 448/S.B. 687, New Mexico S.B. 412, New York A.B. 2073/S.B. 201, Texas H.B. 890, Washington S.B. 5585: Creates vehicle registration and titling classifications for street rods and custom vehicles, including kit cars and replicas, and provides for special license plates. The Texas and Washington bills were enacted into law. 
4.
  Connecticut S.B. 723: Extends the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles five model years old or newer. Bill was not enacted into law.
5.  
  Illinois H.B. 3256: Provides for an expanded-use antique-vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year, from April 1 through October 31. Bill was enacted into law.  
6.
  Michigan H.B. 4885: Prohibits the state from imposing a vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) tax or mileage-based user fee on motor vehicles, to include any global-positioning-satellite-based toll or similar program that would provide for the locational tracking of private motor vehicles or users. Bill was not enacted into law.
7.
  North Carolina H.B. 187: Requires ethanol content labels on all pumps that dispense ethanol-blended gasoline. Bill was enacted into law.  
8.
  Oklahoma S.B. 160: Allows municipalities to issue permits for sanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction. Bill was enacted into law.  
9. 
  Tennessee H.B. 688: Exempts vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s annual emissions inspection and maintenance program. Previous law in Tennessee only exempted vehicles manufactured before the ’75 model year from emissions inspection. Bill was enacted into law. 
10. 
  West Virginia H.B. 2456: Allows vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test. Bill was not enacted into law. 


WORST

1.
  West Virginia H.B. 2190: Includes vehicles with exhaust systems deemed too loud, as determined by an enforcement officer’s subjective opinion, in the definition of “disturbing the peace,” a crime that carries a fine of up to $1,000 per occurrence, jail for six months or both. Bill was not enacted into law.
2.
  Arkansas H.B. 1252: Allows cities to remove an inoperable vehicle from private property if the vehicle is deemed a “nuisance” under a local ordinance. Bill was not enacted into law.
3. 
  Connecticut H.B. 5580: Increases from 20 to 30 years old, the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” and increases the tax assessment on vehicles registered as antiques from $500 to $2,500. Bill was not enacted into law.
4. 
  Hawaii H.B. 1178: Bans the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 in. in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system, any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatch back. Bill was not enacted into law.
5.
  Massachusetts H.B. 1848, New York A.B. 1318: Imposes additional fees on the purchase of larger or higher-emitting vehicles, based on state calculations of carbon emissions and/or vehicle weight. Bills were not enacted into law.
6. 
  Nebraska L.B. 698: Removes labeling requirements on pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasoline. Bill was not enacted into law.
7. 
  North Dakota H.B. 1442: Prohibits the modification of any motor vehicle that altered the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system. Bill was not enacted into law.
8. 
  Oregon H.B. 3214: Prohibits the sale of exhaust systems and exhaust-system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise exceeding certain undetermined noise limits. Bill was not enacted into law.
9. 
  Oregon H.B. 3147: Bans vehicles whose bumpers were elevated more than 3 in. over the original manufactured bumper clearance and imposes a fine of up to $360 per offense. Bill was not enacted into law.
10.
  Washington H.B. 1134: Requires an annual renewal fee of $30 (added to the one-time $35 license plate fee) for collector-vehicle and horseless carriage license plates. Bill was not enacted into law.
Legislation Introduced to Provide Tax Credit for Retrofit Vehicle Conversion
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:15

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to provide a tax credit for converting a used gasoline vehicle into a hybrid. The goal of the legislation is to help reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign oil. Businesses with fleets of vans, trucks and cars would be the primary beneficiaries. The tax credit would vary from $3,000–$8,000 based on vehicle weight. The tax credit would be paid for by federal funds not otherwise obligated for other programs. In order to qualify, the vehicle must be used or leased and not for resale, and achieve a specified fuel savings once converted.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

Legislation Introduced to Provide Tax Credit for Retrofit Vehicle Conversion
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:15

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to provide a tax credit for converting a used gasoline vehicle into a hybrid. The goal of the legislation is to help reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign oil. Businesses with fleets of vans, trucks and cars would be the primary beneficiaries. The tax credit would vary from $3,000–$8,000 based on vehicle weight. The tax credit would be paid for by federal funds not otherwise obligated for other programs. In order to qualify, the vehicle must be used or leased and not for resale, and achieve a specified fuel savings once converted.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.