The West Virginia House of Delegates has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment.

A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate Transportation Committee and now moves to the floor of the Senate for a vote by all members. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives. 

SEMA-model legislation that would allow Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was introduced in the Iowa State Senate. 

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was approved by the Washington State Senate, clearing its way for consideration by the Washington House of Representatives. 

SEMA joined with the National Association of Manufacturers and a number of other organizations in urging Congress to extend the 100% bonus depreciation through 2012. The depreciation had been at 100% since 2010 but dropped to 50% January 1, 2012.

A SEMA-supported bill has been introduced in the New York Assembly to exempt restoration and custom shops from the state’s motor-vehicle repair shop requirements.

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” has been introduced in the Maryland Legislature. Under the bill, the age requirement would be raised from 20 to at least 25 years old and would prohibit these cars from being used for “occasional transportation.” 

A SEMA-supported bill in the Utah State Legislature to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time registration fee was approved by the Utah House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

SEMA is supporting legislation in the Colorado State Legislature to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their eighth model year.

The U.S. House Science Committee approved a SEMA-supported bill that directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a scientific assessment on how gasoline blended with 15% to 20% ethanol (E15 and E20) may impact gasoline-powered engines, vehicles and related equipment.