SEMA-opposed legislation in Iowa to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblended gasoline and E85 was successfully defeated this year.

The history of the Bonneville Salt Flats is well known. Since 1914, racers have gone to Utah to set land-speed records and achieve personal best times. In addition to its professional racing programs, Bonneville remains at the heart of every racer’s dreams. For decades, the Salt Flats have decreased in size, strength and thickness because salt has been removed by an adjoining potash-mining operation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to restore the blue and green color boundaries within the federal lighting standard. The boundaries were inadvertently removed from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 several years ago when the agency reorganized the lighting standard.

The U.S. House Small Business Committee approved two SEMA-supported bills to close loopholes that federal agencies may use to avoid compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).

SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts across the country Friday, July 8, to celebrate the second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). More than 200 events—more than double last year’s total—were held in the United States and Canada to commemorate the day, designated by a SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution (S. Res. 154) sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC).

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee approved a SEMA-supported bill that would require federal judges to impose monetary sanctions against lawyers who file frivolous lawsuits. Under current law, federal judges are allowed, but not required, to impose penalties.

The Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule to limit swipe fees imposed on retailers when accepting debit card payments at $.21 per transaction, effective October 1, 2011. Banks and payment processors may also charge $.01–$.03 more to cover fraud prevention and other adjustments, bringing the total potential fees to $.24.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require an orange-and-black label be placed on fuel pumps dispensing gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15).

A House Natural Resources Subcommittee recently held a hearing entitled, “Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands.” The main topics of discussion were protecting recreational access to federal lands and recognizing the economic benefits derived from such activities. Witnesses included representatives from the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition and other OHV organizations. The hearing included testimony in support of multiple-use federal lands and responsible OHV recreation.