EPA Seeks to Prohibit Conversion of Vehicles Into Racecars. Appears legit.

[TheJDMan]

This may be worth keeping eye on. SEMA is already working on it. Read the SEMA article as it could potentially effect our Pro-Touring cars.

https://www.sema.org/news/2016/02/08/epa-seeks-to-prohibit-conversion-of-vehicles-into-racecars

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Yeah, I saw that last night. Scary stuff.

I wonder if the popularity of Street Outlaws (even though they actually aren't "street cars", as much as they used to say it), and the general street racing scene had anything to do with bringing this to the spotlight?

[HandOverFist]

Pro Touring cars are not race vehicles...as long as they have the mandatory street legal equipment installed I don't see a problem.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Pro Touring cars are not race vehicles...as long as they have the mandatory street legal equipment installed I don't see a problem.

But this falls under the same category as a thread on wheel sizes posted on here last week. We say it's for donks, pro-touring cars are safe. You say our cars aren't race vehicles, so we're safe. But we don't determine that, the government does. What if they say non-OEM supplied wheels are illegal? What if a non-stock cam is illegal? Headers? Mufflers? Non-stock suspension? Any upgrades to the engine at all could be deemed as making a "race car", it's a slippery slope if we allow the government to create these determinations. For all we know, they could plan to implement a Federal system like California and their strict C.A.R.B. restrictions. Assuming that we're safe is not the best way of viewing this. To the average person on the street, all pro-touring cars DO look like race cars, and given that they are designed to race on a road or autocross course, I'd say they fall under the "race car" category, even if for only part of the time.

[HandOverFist]

I'd say they fall under the "race car" category, even if for only part of the time.

If you want to take that view then the current crop of 500-700hp OEM vehicles would fall into the same category. I think if you keep your vehicle within the state/national guidelines of required safety requirements we will be fine.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

If you want to take that view then the current crop of 500-700hp OEM vehicles would fall into the same category. I think if you keep your vehicle within the state/national guidelines of required safety requirements we will be fine.

That's different though. These factory hotrods have passed EPA emissions requirements, whatever they may be. The article states: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a regulation to prohibit conversion of vehicles originally designed for on-road use into racecars." What constitutes "conversion into racecar"? Does throwing a pulley onto your Hellcat suddenly mean it's a "race car"? Cam swaps would certainly be illegal. Does this go beyond state standards for emissions, which in AZ means if you need to pass a sniffer test on 67 and new cars only. Are they going beyond that and banning any power adding modifications? Being the EPA, this isn't just a matter of "required safety equipment", this is more directly pertaining to what we do to our engines. Building a 500+ hp Butler 455 would by most people's definition be considered "race car" territory.

I'm not going to assume the government is going to side with us pro-tourers. I'll be following this every step of the way.

[BMR Sales]

If you want to take that view then the current crop of 500-700hp OEM vehicles would fall into the same category. I think if you keep your vehicle within the state/national guidelines of required safety requirements we will be fine.

I definitely see your point. How many commercials do you see from car manufacturers with cars on track. The other night during the Super Bowl Audi had an for the new generation of the R-8 - at the end of the commercial it said the New 201 MPH Audi R-8. What US Road are you allowed to do 201 MPH?

[dontlifttoshift]

I'll post it here, too.


EPA spokeswoman Laura Allen released the following statement on the recently uncovered EPA language:


People may use EPA-certified motor vehicles for competition, but to protect public health from air pollution, the Clean Air Act has – since its inception – specifically prohibited tampering with or defeating the emission control systems on those vehicles.The proposed regulation that SEMA has commented on does not change this long-standing law, or approach. Instead, the proposed language in the Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Gas rulemaking simply clarifies the distinction between motor vehicles and nonroad vehicles such as dirt bikes and snowmobiles. Unlike motor vehicles – which include cars, light trucks, and highway motorcycles – nonroad vehicles may, under certain circumstances, be modified for use in competitive events in ways that would otherwise be prohibited by the Clean Air Act.EPA is now reviewing public comments on this proposal.

[TheJDMan]

The issue is a bit more serious than you may think. The EPA is still insisting that cars sold and equipped with emissions systems may be raced but they must retain the emissions systems. It seems that SEMA and the EPA are in disagreement on what the regulation is really saying. While this may not pose an immediate threat, it does warrant watching.

Here is another article from another source. The EPA regulation may or may not be a potential problem for all of us but we need to keep an eye on it.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a28135/heres-what-the-epas-track-car-proposal-actually-means/

I would also encourage everyone here to become a member of the SEMA Action Network. Membership is free and the more SAN members the better.

http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?cont...tpage&g=semaga

[68Andrew]

Whatever your interpretation of the law is, it definitely means some sort of change, and likely some change that makes it harder for this hobby to continue.
There is a petition here that I encourage you all to sign:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/tell-epa-withdraw-its-proposal-prohibit-conversion-vehicles-racecars-0

Hot Rod has already written two articles on the topic, followed by an article talking about how the 2018 Hellcats will be TT V6's. Not to sound cliché, but the end of the V8's sounds near.

[hotrodalex]

The new EPA rule would mean you can't remove the cats or get a tune, even if the car is only used for the track. This goes against previous statements by Congress that allowed track-only cars to be exempt:

http://www3.epa.gov/nonroad/2002/f02045.pdf

"You may also modify EPA-certified vehicles if you will use them only for competition. However, you may not modify your EPA-certified vehicle in a way that increases emissions if you use the vehicle for both recreation and competition."

Looks like the new rule would not be retroactive, so anyone with a pre-2016 (or whatever cut off year they choose) car would be fine. But you wouldn't be allowed to buy a 2017 Mustang GT and make it a track toy unless you want to keep all emissions equipment stock.

[Motown 454]

Hi I just got this in an E Mail from SEMA action network please read and act ! Please pass it to everyone who will be affected.
Wayne
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/RegAlert2016EmailHeader-1.png



















Say “No” to EPA’s Threat to Motorsports: SEMA Opposes Regulation Prohibiting Conversion of Vehicles into Racecars


SEMA has issued a press release informing the public that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aiming to make it illegal to convert automobiles originally designed for on-road use into racecars, even though such conversions have been done for decades. Under the EPA’s proposed rule, it would also be illegal to sell any performance-related products for those cars. The EPA’s proposal would have a devastating impact on motorsports since many types of racing rely on production vehicles that have been modified for use strictly at the track.


Ask the EPA to Withdraw its Proposal Now


Request opposition for this regulation by using the following SAN website link for an overview and link to sign the White House Petition.






Go to SAN (http://click.message.sema.org/?qs=b0a8807c6f176ee52e983b126001a3eac946cc87f523ff 6dd646a4b1a363f64f770c01241cccdaa6)






















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[69496]

I read this today too. Looks like everyone outside of California will be feeling our pain. We have some "strange" folks running California and some of us have to deal with their decisions. As powerful as the EPA is I would be very surprised if they could take on the rest of the country and win. I hope SEMA and other organizations can rally the troops and raise enough support against this to make a difference.

[HandOverFist]

See what NHRA or NASCAR has to say about it.

[andrewb70]

There were two threads regarding this topic, so I merged them together.

Andrew

[ICrombie]

Whatever your interpretation of the law is, it definitely means some sort of change, and likely some change that makes it harder for this hobby to continue.
There is a petition here that I encourage you all to sign:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/tell-epa-withdraw-its-proposal-prohibit-conversion-vehicles-racecars-0

Hot Rod has already written two articles on the topic, followed by an article talking about how the 2018 Hellcats will be TT V6's. Not to sound cliché, but the end of the V8's sounds near.

People have been saying that for years now, there has been a huge resurgence in the popularity of muscle cars in the past 10 years (along with the V8). I don't doubt that adding turbos and using smaller displacement V8s (like in European cars) will become more of the norm, but I don't think we will have to worry about the V8 disappearing any time soon from the auto scene.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Except we've never had the government forcing ridiculous 50+ mpg CAFE standards on automakers. Unfortunately it doesn't matter what's popular, or what we want, unless big changes come November, the government will kill our factory performance cars.

[j-c-c]

Seems like this would get some traction here. Although many might feel exempt since we aren't technically exclusive race cars here, IMO the way you protect your rights is by protecting others rights first. This is a bad omen.

"Download the PDf and scroll to page 862

http://www3.epa.gov/otaq/climate/doc...-fr-notice.pdf

EPA is proposing in 40 CFR 1037.601(a)(3) to clarify that the Clean Air Act does not allow any person to disable, remove, or render inoperative (i.e., tamper with) emission controls on a certified motor vehicle for purposes of competition"

There seems to be no exemptions whatsoever once a vehicle is "certified".

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

3rd time this has been posted. The other two threads have been merged.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/119445-EPA-Seeks-to-Prohibit-Conversion-of-Vehicles-Into-Racecars-Appears-legit

[TheJDMan]

See what NHRA or NASCAR has to say about it.

NASCAR would likely not be effected since they race purpose built racecars. However, NHRA is a different story since the vast majority of sportsman class drag racers are running former or dual purpose street/race cars.

Again, Join SEMA Action Network! SAN is to car people what NRA is to gun people. Numbers matter and the more SAN members the better!

http://pages.message.sema.org/san-signup/

[Ben@SpeedTech]

I'm no lawyer and don't claim to understand government interaction in our daily lives, but whether or not a big or small group would be effected by this enforcing, giving the EPA any power to regulate our hobby would restrict racing in the future to some degree and lets them get a foot in the door for even further regulation. From an outside looking in point of view politics should be renamed powertrips and he who has the most power to regulate wins.

Does the minority of guys that race once a month really have a radical effect on the pollution in the air? No where near the level of pollution that comes from the many cars that drive everyday. But that latter group is too big to really put a thumb on. Regulating who they can is a start, and gives them more momentum and control in the future. Yes? If they can say a race car has to have a bone stock engine and emissions equipment, then street cars will be next my magic crystal ball suggests.

My 79 Cutlass came with a cat which "fell off" many moons ago. My son's 78 Cutlass came with a cat and an air pump, both also fell off. So despite our area of the country not requiring an emissions test, it seems according to the EPA neither car should be legal to drive on the road or a race track.

What about late model race cars? According to what I've read even reflashing the computer because you changed your exhaust system or cam or whatever is illegal. Imagine what people are doing with late model muscle cars to run in certain race classes. Apparently already every bit illegal and the vehicle's owners at any point could be fined. What??

I reiterate what has been said, if this wasn't something we should be concerned about then why is SEMA getting involved in a very active way? My guess is it's costly for them to get involved so if they're willing to spend the cash and time to push back against the EPA then we should probably keep an eye on it too, whether our cars are dedicated race cars or not.

I signed the petition as well, I prefer dogs over cats and so does my car. Speedtech as a group supports SEMA's decision to make sure the EPA's intentions won't lead to restricting what we do.

[j-c-c]

Trying to be delicate here, but I would think anybody trying to get attention in South Carolina in the next week, would find a very agreeable and attentive audience/voting block if they took a public stand on EPA expanding their arbitrary rulings, again. Somebody needs to make this case to candidates, which would then get national exposure quickly and easily, and the EPA would back away from an uproar, looking for greener pastures, IMO. Its still about politics, no matter how much logic is sought here.

[parsonsj]

Just guessing, but I think the EPA is trying to shut down that old loophole manufacturers have used for decades: "This product may be used on off road vehicles only".

It does seem as if it could have quite the chilling effect on the car enthusiast market / hobby.

[hotrodalex]

Trying to be delicate here, but I would think anybody trying to get attention in South Carolina in the next week, would find a very agreeable and attentive audience/voting block if they took a public stand on EPA expanding their arbitrary rulings, again. Somebody needs to make this case to candidates, which would then get national exposure quickly and easily, and the EPA would back away from an uproar, looking for greener pastures, IMO. Its still about politics, no matter how much logic is sought here.

It's too bad Rand Paul dropped out of the race already, because he'd have a field day with it.

[parsonsj]

My 79 Cutlass came with a cat which "fell off" many moons ago. My son's 78 Cutlass came with a cat and an air pump, both also fell off. So despite our area of the country not requiring an emissions test, it seems according to the EPA neither car should be legal to drive on the road or a race track.That's obviously illegal today. Everybody knows you can't legally remove emissions equipment.


According to what I've read even reflashing the computer because you changed your exhaust system or cam or whatever is illegal. Imagine what people are doing with late model muscle cars to run in certain race classes.Again, all of us (should) know that's illegal. And has been for a long time. Most of us ignore that, and few are caught outside of California, but it is illegal.

[hotrodalex]

LeMons asked a lawyer to clarify the proposed changes.

Here's his take: http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/images/EPA-Memo.pdf?utm_source=Details+of+EPA%27s+LeMons+Law+ Proposal&utm_campaign=LeMons+Law+Brief&utm_medium=email

[TheJDMan]

My initial interpretation was that the EPA wanted to close the loophole whereby an aftermarket manufacturer could sell a performance part so long as it was labeled for "Off Road Use Only". That paper makes it sound much worse. By making it illegal to remove any emissions equipment regardless of street or competition use that means that no aftermarket carbs, intakes, headers, cams or virtually any aftermarket performance engine part would be legal for use on either street cars or racecars. Not only would it be illegal to install by the user, but the aftermarket manufacturers would be fined for making these parts in the first place. In addition, it would appear to make engine swaps illegal as well since swapping an engine would, by definition, mean you are also changing the emission system of the car.

I applaud SEMA for bringing this proposed legislation to light!

JOIN the SEMA Action Network!
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=startpage&g=semaga

[79-TA]

in case anyone missed the petition link in the first page:


Whatever your interpretation of the law is, it definitely means some sort of change, and likely some change that makes it harder for this hobby to continue.
There is a petition here that I encourage you all to sign:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/tell-epa-withdraw-its-proposal-prohibit-conversion-vehicles-racecars-0

Hot Rod has already written two articles on the topic, followed by an article talking about how the 2018 Hellcats will be TT V6's. Not to sound cliché, but the end of the V8's sounds near.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

SEMA has made an official clarification, I got it today in my SEMA news email. Sounds like they see this as a serious threat to our industry and they feel the EPA is out of bounds in what they're doing. I don;t think this should be taken likely at all. Again I propose this is a foot in the door to pose more regulation in the future. How boring will it be to see a stock 180 hp G body running down the drag strip. Mine ran 17.9's stock, that's >cough< cool.

Click here to read the article...

SEMA Myth/Fact write up (https://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2016/06/debunking-the-myths-epa-proposal-to-prohibit-conversion-of-vehicles-into-racecars?utm_source=ET&utm_medium=email&utm_content=50765031&utm_campaign=eNews)

[Ben@SpeedTech]

That's obviously illegal today. Everybody knows you can't legally remove emissions equipment.

Again, all of us (should) know that's illegal. And has been for a long time. Most of us ignore that, and few are caught outside of California, but it is illegal.

Yes, but up till now it has at least for me been different. Salt Lake City area where I used to live is a big valley surrounded by mountains and has a smog problem so they do emissions testing. With the age of my 1979 car by Utah's regulations if it could pass emissions testing, which the exhaust emissions was a little more lenient on older cars, even with all the emissions equipment removed the law states that the testing shop has to report that the equipment is gone but it still passes the sniffer test, and it's totally legal to drive. I now live in an area of Utah that doesn't require an emissions test on any car so no holds barred and I'm putting my ex full drag race car's motor in my daily driver/ autoX car. I realize that this current issue is with dedicated race cars, but if enforced, it's that much easier to enforce putting these parts on street cars too. By doing the engine swap In essence I'm now bettering my chances of of getting busted and fined at a race or possibly in the future just driving down the road, should the EPA show up and enforce this. That sure makes me excited about building a performance vehicle and the future of our hobby, yeah, no.

This is why we need to take this seriously and oppose any power and control the EPA is trying to usurp. Put a leash on them now and it'll be easier to negotiate things in the future. Give them full control now and it's only a matter of time before there are is so much regulation red tape to jump through to continue what we love doing. At that point it may not be worth it unless you drive a pre emissions vehicle and we all know those are becoming more rare and/or are out of the funding reach of many enthusiasts. Trends are moving towards the 75 + Novas and Camaros and G bodies and Fox mustangs and... all of which came standard with smog equip and (are) will be illegal to modify the engine system in any way whatsoever. Now how cool is that?

From what I'm seeing is that the EPA will likely target parts manufacturers rather than show up at a race and inspect cars while handing out thousands of $ in fines (for now), but even if they only shut down production of emissions voiding parts it all trickles down to race and street performance enthusiasts in a big way. This won't put a stop to just modified race cars, it'll put a stop to modified street cars too. As I said before I see this as a foot in the door to put a big hamper on our hobby in the future.

[gator68428]

Just guessing, but I think the EPA is trying to shut down that old loophole manufacturers have used for decades: "This product may be used on off road vehicles only".

It does seem as if it could have quite the chilling effect on the car enthusiast market / hobby.

Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner folks! Think of what this means for aftermarket parts makers??? Almost every part I buy says this on it. The EPA stipulated that an automobile can no longer ever be considered an off road vehicle. The implications of this are HUGE for any parts maker, enthusiast, small business (race shops etc.) and all of their families and the positive economic impact. EVERY SINGLE person and sponsor on this forum should VERY MUCH CARE about this blatant over-reach by the EPA. I commend SEMA for stepping in on this very important issue.

Sign any petition you can. Stand up for what is fair (to enthusiasts, small businesses, aftermarket car part industry and their families) and reasonable (relatively microscopic amount of pollution emitted from racing autos) in this great country of ours that was built by we the people who intend to ensure our government's regulations remain prudent and not misguided by faulty ill conceived aspects of a broader seemingly well intentioned political agenda.

[parsonsj]

Sign any petition you can. Stand up for what is fair (to enthusiasts, small businesses, aftermarket car part industry and their families) and reasonable (relatively microscopic amount of pollution emitted from racing autos) in this great country of ours that was built by we the people who intend to ensure our government remains prudent and not misguided by politcal agendas.(emphasis added) I'm on our side in this. I, too, think our hobby/businesses aren't a real problem with any significant effect on the environment, and that the EPA should worry about bigger fish (like the coal industry, for example).

However, I must point out that you're advocating a political agenda as well. I'm not criticizing, but noting that preventing this step by the EPA will take political power from all of us.

[gator68428]

(emphasis added) I'm on our side in this. I, too, think our hobby/businesses aren't a real problem with any significant effect on the environment, and that the EPA should worry about bigger fish (like the coal industry, for example).

However, I must point out that you're advocating a political agenda as well. I'm not criticizing, but noting that preventing this step by the EPA will take political power from all of us.

Semantics my friend. I tried to leave it concise and expected my fellow car friends would give me the benefit of the doubt. But just for you I clarified.

[LemonTwisted]

LeMons asked a lawyer to clarify the proposed changes.

Here's his take: http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/images/EPA-Memo.pdf?utm_source=Details+of+EPA%27s+LeMons+Law+ Proposal&utm_campaign=LeMons+Law+Brief&utm_medium=email

That's a very good read. Sounds like it also applies to newer engines being installed in older vehicles. The year of the engine would dictate what emissions equipment would be required to be legal!?! I wonder what rules would apply to crate engines, would they require the full emissions equipment such as evap systems and cats that the engines were originally designed to be used with to be legal.

[gator68428]

That's a very good read. Sounds like it also applies to newer engines being installed in older vehicles. The year of the engine would dictate what emissions equipment would be required to be legal!?! I wonder what rules would apply to crate engines, would they require the full emissions equipment such as evap systems and cats that the engines were originally designed to be used with to be legal.

Ding Ding Ding! Another winner folks!

See this as well:
https://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2016/06/debunking-the-myths-epa-proposal-to-prohibit-conversion-of-vehicles-into-racecars?utm_source=ET&utm_medium=email&utm_content=50765031&utm_campaign=eNews

[LS6 Tommy]

What amazes me about the EPA is the blatant overextension of power they have been granted. As originally planned, the EPA was an ADVISORY branch of the Government. As such it could not legally make law. Only Congress can make law. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line some empty suit politicians decided it would be a good idea to extend the power of Law to the EPA.

Tommy

[Bugzilla]

Signed. At 135,000 signatures right now. Looks like we are going to blow away the 100,000 needed!

[parsonsj]

just for you I clarified.No clarification needed! :) I was just pointing out that political initiatives can only be defeated by other political movements, and this thread is part of that. It's all good.

Keep signing those petitions to fuel our own political agenda, because that's the best way to deflect the EPA on to other things that won't affect our hobby and businesses.

[HandOverFist]

(emphasis added) I'm on our side in this. I, too, think our hobby/businesses aren't a real problem with any significant effect on the environment, and that the EPA should worry about bigger fish (like the coal industry, for example).

However, I must point out that you're advocating a political agenda as well. I'm not criticizing, but noting that preventing this step by the EPA will take political power from all of us.

Yeah...pile on the coal industry some more. How many families/communities have been devastated from that mind set....

[camrat68]

Tampering ie- Anything that increases emissions especially by "volume" such as head or cam or exhaust work. I've seen this exact problem in the arena of firearms where legality can hinge on the simple placement of a comma within the legislation.

Recently I had to replace the exhaust on my 95 Caprice. I bought headers as well as high flow cats for the car a decade ago from a company that no longer exists. Due to daily driving this car in the Midwest, the exhaust rusted to the point of needing to be replaced. Specifically one of the cats. The exhaust shop couldn't touch it due to the cat not being stock. EPA rules. Luckily I kept the stock cats for the muffler shop to re-install. Not so fast--According to EPA rule, the ORIGINAL cats weren't legal to re-install according to the muffler shop. The situation is dealt with but I have no idea where I stand legally. It has cats in an area that emissions testing is not required.

If you think it doesn't affect you, you're in for a rude awakening. The EPA is searching for the limits we will allow. They did it in the arena of guns and ammunition recently and were beaten down for it. Now they're trying it for the automotive arena.

Jim

[TheJDMan]

Again,
JOIN the SEMA Action Network! Numbers matter and SEMA Action Network needs us all in this fight.
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=startpage&g=semaga

[j-c-c]

What amazes me about the EPA is the blatant overextension of power they have been granted. As originally planned, the EPA was an ADVISORY branch of the Government. As such it could not legally make law. Only Congress can make law. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line some empty suit politicians decided it would be a good idea to extend the power of Law to the EPA.

Tommy

That shift of authority nowadays is quite common, I believe the purpose is it gives the political hacks plausible deniability when the public uproar starts, as they can quickly join the masses in blaming the "big bad EPA", and cries for smaller gov, when its the politicians, all of them, who shirked their legislative responsibilities to make reasonable well thought out laws, and gave regulation authority carte blanc to the non elected bureaucrats. Since they have no/little accountability, they follow their own personal whims/agenda.

[Kcrain]

I signed

[camrat68]

Me too. Signed and joined SAN.

Jim

[HandOverFist]

Have signed twice but never get the activation email.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

I ordered some parts from Summit last night. Their recording talks about the issue and suggests we stand and voice our opinions and to ask the salesman how to join SEMA and get involved. Places like Summit, Jegs, Texas Speed, Holley, Edelbrock, ... and many race tracks could realistically go out of business near overnight should certain laws get passed, right?

[j-c-c]

Yes, or at least be intimidated enough to shun the risk of potential fines in the millions, or just the legal fees needed to try and prevail. Seems lkie the EPa has adopted drug war strategy, go after the supply, rather then the demand.

I know everyone has their heart in the right place, but if the only response from us is a petition, that's kinda lame in contrast to what maybe our future, just sayin.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Luckily SEMA and other folks/ groups are all over this. The petition everyone is signing is only a small yet important part. Still I would hope the whole issue would continue to gain public awareness. We all carry some of the weight and responsibility to help spread the word.

A quote from the SEMA newsletter I received today...

said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting- “Despite EPA’s statements that the agency does not intend to enforce the law against race car owners, the agency is, in fact, writing new law into the regulations. As a result, if this proposal is finalized, the racing community and parts makers would forevermore be operating outside of that law and could be targeted for enforcement at a future date. We don’t consider it an overreaction to try to prevent this new interpretation from becoming law.”

They say now they won't enforce it, but if it all passes they can legally at any time do so, in 10 years or next week. It doesn't matter to them, with this power they can shut down our hobby as we know it at any given moment.

Here's the full article from SEMA... (https://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2016/07/progress-update-opposing-epa-proposal-to-prohibit-race-car-conversions?utm_source=ET&utm_medium=email&utm_content=50783220&utm_campaign=eNews)

Again, agreed that they likely won't put pressure on individuals but what happens to the individual when they force race tracks and sanctions like SCCA to comply- forcing them to put pressure on the individual so the EPA doesn't have to deal with it on that level, everyone else will do their job for them. Realistically there's no way this will be constrained to only full race cars. To avoid fines and such, race tracks will want to cover their butts, and to remove all gray area I foresee that they will have to turn away street cars that aren't compliant too. Emissions equipment has been removed from cars since the late 1960s so this isn't just for late model computer controlled cars. This will affect near EVERYONE in the hobby in some way.

Sign the petition, write your governor, write the president, write the EPA, organize a group of picketers at your next local race and take photos to share on social media and get the news media involved to come down and put it on the 6:00 news. There's lots we can do outside of just signing the petition. All we need to do is help the public become aware of the situation. Nobody, including the EPA wants negative publicity (open adult like opposition, not riots and plundering ;) ) and as far as I recall we live in a country that supports "We the people..." rather than "we the government agency decide what you can and can't do for a hobby". If we make enough stink they will be forced to comply with our desires.

[HandOverFist]

Easier than all that...boot all those Democrats out of Washington.

[parsonsj]

Easier than all that...boot all those Democrats out of Washington.You say that as if there were no Democrats among us, or as if Democrats wouldn't be helpful to the cause. Let's please keep the discussion to the EPA and how we can work together to keep the EPA from realizing their intentions about our hobby and livelihood.

[HandOverFist]

You say that as if there were no Democrats among us, or as if Democrats wouldn't be helpful to the cause. Let's please keep the discussion to the EPA and how we can work together to keep the EPA from realizing their intentions about our hobby and livelihood.

Fair enough, but I'm not blind to the facts.

[TheJDMan]

Fair enough, but I'm not blind to the facts.

Judging from your past comments, you don't seem to fully comprehend the gravity of this EPA issue.

[HandOverFist]

Judging from your past comments, you don't seem to fully comprehend the gravity of this EPA issue.

Oh, I comprehend...just pointing out the fact that the EPA is driven by a certain mindset. If you don't begin there you are just chasing snakes.

[andrewb70]

Oh, I comprehend...just pointing out the fact that the EPA is driven by a certain mindset. If you don't begin there you are just chasing snakes.

Let's keep this on topic please. Last time I checked both sides of the isle love to take as much power from the people as they can get away with.

Andrew

[parsonsj]

Fair enough, but I'm not blind to the facts.Facts? Like the fact that the Nixon administration created the EPA with broad bipartisan support? Like the fact that the EPA is the main agency responsible for removing lead from our environment? Or the fact that the EPA has led a broad coalition of domestic corporations, unions, and environmental groups to make a significant difference in the quality of our air, water, and land?

Our lives are richer and better (and more of us are alive) as a direct result of the EPA's oversight of our American environment.

Having said that, I think we all agree (in this forum anyway) that the EPA has better things to do than police the high performance automotive parts market. And so we should all work together to oppose the EPA's foray into our back yard. Let's please keep that as the point of this particular thread.

If you want to argue about Democrats and Republicans, take it to the Political Forum (we have one here).

[HandOverFist]

Facts? Like the fact that the Nixon administration created the EPA with broad bipartisan support? Like the fact that the EPA is the main agency responsible for removing lead from our environment? Or the fact that the EPA has led a broad coalition of domestic corporations, unions, and environmental groups to make a significant difference in the quality of our air, water, and land?

Our lives are richer and better (and more of us are alive) as a direct result of the EPA's oversight of our American environment.

Having said that, I think we all agree (in this forum anyway) that the EPA has better things to do than police the high performance automotive parts market. And so we should all work together to oppose the EPA's foray into our back yard. Let's please keep that as the point of this particular thread.

If you want to argue about Democrats and Republicans, take it to the Political Forum (we have one here).

I was done...no arguement here. Seems you are the one with an agenda now lol...

[j-c-c]

I agree, we don't need to go there. However if we get enough attention on this matter, some hack may pick it up and ride this wave all the way to the WH, that's when when are faced with a real dilemma. Just sayin.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

The fight continues with some help in Washington.

Here's the latest from the SEMA newsletter...

"By SEMA Washington, D.C., staff

SEMA is supporting Capitol Hill allies on legislation that will clearly exempt from the Clean Air Act street vehicles converted to racecars for competition-only use. As previously reported, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a regulation to prohibit conversion of vehicles originally designed for on-road use into racecars. The regulation would also make the sale of certain products for use on such vehicles illegal.

“Despite recent indications that the EPA is considering a new rulemaking to request additional public comment on its proposed racecar rule, it is now clear that an amendment to the Clean Air Act will effectively end any debate over the exemption of motor vehicles converted for competition use. SEMA views congressional action as a decisive step to settle this issue once and for all,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The EPA is attempting to write a new interpretation into the regulations. The racing community and parts makers need the certainty that legislation will provide.”

A SEMA-initiated White House Petition opposing the EPA-proposed regulation currently contains more than 156,000 signatures, well past the 100,000 signature threshold necessary to elicit a response from the administration."

[TheJDMan]

SEMA Action Network legislation update:

West Virginia Resolution Opposing EPA Ban on Certain Race Cars Approved by House; Moves to Senate.

What is H.C.R 68?

H.C.R 68 recognizes that the EPA regulation would impact all vehicle types, including the sports cars, sedans and hatch-backs commonly converted strictly for use at the track. While the Clean Air Act prohibits certain modifications to motor vehicles, it is clear that vehicles built or modified for racing, and not used on the streets, are not the “motor vehicles” that Congress intended to regulate.

H.C.R 68 recognizes that this proposed EPA regulation represents overreaching by the agency, runs contrary to the law and defies decades of racing activity where EPA has acknowledged and allowed conversion of vehicles.

H.C.R 68 acknowledges that SEMA submitted comments in opposition to the EPA regulation and met with EPA officials to confirm the agency’s intentions to prohibit conversion of vehicles into racecars and make the sale of certain emissions-related parts for use on converted vehicles illegal.

Overview: A West Virginia House Concurrent Resolution (H.C.R. 68) to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not to prohibit conversion of vehicles originally designed for on-road use into racecars was approved by the West Virginia House in a vote by all members. The pending EPA regulation would also make the sale of certain products for use on such vehicles illegal. The resolution will next be considered by the Senate.

Please follow the link below, and send an email to WV lawmakers urging them to support H.C.R 68.

http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=aa2016WV7&g=SEMAGA

[TheJDMan]

Use this search form to find your elected officials at all levels of government. Write your officials, request that they oppose the EPA's proposed changes.

http://semasan.com/lookup.asp?g=semaga

[parsonsj]

Sounds like some good political force is being mustered. Nice work by all!

The WV resolution, of course, is just an advisory, (the EPA is not bound by state resolutions) but it does indicate a significant groundswell of support.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

More support from gov't reps-

"H.R. 4715, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (RPM Act) was introduced by U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Posey (R-FL) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) to ensure that converting street vehicles to race cars used exclusively in competition does not violate the Clean Air Act. The practice was unquestioned until last year when the EPA published draft regulations that would make vehicle and engine conversions illegal and subject to the law’s tampering penalties.

The language in H.R. 4715 makes clear Congress’ intent to exclude competition-only cars from the scope of the Clean Air Act, including converted street vehicles, according to SEMA."

Read the whole article here- http://theshopmag.com/features/congress-debuts-bill-seeking-modified-race-car-protection

Do what he said- https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/119878-Tell-Congress-to-Stop-the-EPA-and-Support-the-RPM-Act!?p=1178731#post1178731