SEMA and the EPA...

[57 lima bean]

This has been around for several days now.........    https://www.sema.org/news/2016/02/08/epa-seeks-to-prohibit-conversion-of-vehicles-into-racecars

[jayb]

Thanks for posting that, I'd seen it previously on Bangshift.  What's really scary about this is that the EPA's target is the aftermarket manufacturers of parts.  Aftermarket parts sources could easily dry up.

Fortunately for us FE guys, we are mostly working on older cars that didn't come with pollution control equipment.  But if major aftermarket companies can no longer sell parts for more modern engines, like LS engines for example, it hurts the whole performance industry.

[BruceS]

Jay and all,
There's a link at the top of the page that takes you to a petition that "We the People" can sign against this intrusion on our freedom by unelected bureaucrats.  Sorry to get political, but we should do all we can to stop this, and other similar initiatives and legislation. 

Bruce

[jayb]

This is one political topic that I don't mind having on the forum.  I have signed this petition, and I would encourage all of our members to sign - Jay

[FE Jonny]

I saw this over at the FSB Forum, sighned it already. Just another political stranglehold attempt to destroy American tradition.

[cjshaker]

Well, this political topic directly affects this forum and everyone here. I shared it with as many racer/car friends as I could. Even bikers and other gas fueled hobbyist's should take note and vote. It will affect them sooner or later also.

[Katz427]

I'll make this short. Sign the petition then call or email your representative in the House and Senate. Why? Politicans  pay no attention to petitions and just ignore the subject. Having a family that includes people who are "staffers" in DC , they always tell me that directly contacting the office is what gets the attention.

[falcongeorge]

Thanks for posting that, I'd seen it previously on Bangshift.  What's really scary about this is that the EPA's target is the aftermarket manufacturers of parts.  Aftermarket parts sources could easily dry up.

Fortunately for us FE guys, we are mostly working on older cars that didn't come with pollution control equipment.  But if major aftermarket companies can no longer sell parts for more modern engines, like LS engines for example, it hurts the whole performance industry.

Just my take on this, but I dont think the timing of this was a coincidence. This announcement came, what, two days after it was announced that the White House was putting on a big push for Googles "self-driving car"? Google is a big financial supporter of superpaks on BOTH sides of the isle, and they are pushing the "self-driving car" thing VERY hard. SEMA is going to be a MAJOR lobbyist on the "against" side of that deal, if they weaken the aftermarket, they cut SEMA's funding off and "clear the road" pardon the pun.
Follow the money...

[turbohunter]

Though I don't question that this is a scummy over reach by a tyrannical bureaucracy.
I'm trying to follow the logic that taking a car and turning it into an off road vehicle is counter to their agenda.
That should be what they want.

[falcongeorge]

Though I don't question that this is a scummy over reach by a tyrannical bureaucracy.
I'm trying to follow the logic that taking a car and turning it into an off road vehicle is counter to their agenda.
That should be what they want.

well, it doesnt make sense UNLESS what I said in post & is correct... Then it starts to make a whole lot of sense....

[jayb]

As I understand it, the EPA has withdrawn some of the language that was a concern in these regulations, but have not changed their stance on opposition to taking production cars and turning them into race vehicles.  There is legislation now introduced in Congress that will protect this activity, and prevent the EPA from any future rules that will outlaw the conversion of production cars into race cars.  I believe it is referred to as the RPM act.  The link below is to the SEMA web site, and if you fill out the info at the link it will automatically send a letter to your senators and representatives, indicating your support for this legislation.  It appears that the strong response to the original EPA plans has had an effect, so let's keep this up and try to get this legislation passed. 

https://www.votervoice.net/SEMA/campaigns/45394/respond

[jayb]

And a little more on this:

http://www.hotrod.com/news/1604-success-epa-backs-down-from-rules-that-threatened-converting-road-to-race-cars/

I was not aware until I read this article that the clause to ban race cars was hidden in a 600 page document addressing medium and heavy trucks.  Their statement upon withdrawing the rule makes it clear that they don't regret anything that they are trying to do.  The people at the EPA are scoundrels!

[Katz427]

Unfortunately the RPM act has little support and only 5 in the House have signed on. The legislation has little chance and will probably need to be attached to some other piece of legislation if it has
any chance of being voted on let alone passed into law. The EPA has been given sweeping power due to legislation  and executive order to curb green house gases.This has opened a real Pandora's box encompassing not just cars and trucks but nearly anything and everything that produces CO2. Appliance efficiency is just one. A 94 % furnace efficiency is not good enough for one example. Cattle and methane gas production from the US herd is another. You must contact your Congress rep and Senator and express how you feel. The EPA has pretty much gone on the record saying that factory hot rods (think Cobra jet mustangs) are acceptable ( they are not certified by the EPA) but to modify a motor vehicle that was sold as EPA certified is not. Bottom line is no altering to any EPA certified motor vehicle or appliance is what the EPA wants.