A U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the scientific, technical and consumer impact of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15). The hearing focused on the potential negative impact of E15 on engines, components and fuel-delivery systems.

Legislation to require the issuance of a single motor-vehicle license plate for attachment at the rear of the vehicle was introduced in the Texas House Of Representatives.

Legislation has been introduced in Hawaii to reduce annual registration fees and state vehicle weight tax for antique motor vehicles.

SEMA-supported legislation has been introduced in West Virginia to exempt motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, airplanes, trucks and tractors that are older than 25 years from personal property taxes.

Legislation containing a SEMA-drafted amendment to totally exempt from the license tax all vehicles and parts cars stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair was approved by the Virginia State Legislature and will now be sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law.

SEMA is supporting legislation (S. 344) introduced in the U.S. Senate to ban the sale of gasoline containing 15% ethanol. The bill would overturn actions taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) two years ago to permit ethanol levels to rise from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15).

Legislation containing a SEMA amendment to totally exempt from the license tax vehicles and parts cars stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair was approved by the House of Delegates.

Legislation has been introduced to eliminate a provision in the Connecticut statutes that allows antiques, rare or special-interest motor vehicles to be assessed at a value of no more than $500.

A version of SEMA-model legislation to prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance, development regulation, zoning regulation or administrative practice that prevents automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby was approved by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee and Rules Committee.

The U.S. Marines Corps is moving forward with plans to expand its base at Twentynine Palms, California, and take ownership of nearly 147,000 acres of the adjacent Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area.