EPA Seeks to Prohibit Conversion of Vehicles Into Racecars, appears legit.

[TheJDMan]

This may be worth keeping eye on. SEMA is already aware of the situation. Read the SEMA article as it could effect our Pro-Touring cars used in competition based on the way it is worded.

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

[JB400]

You'd think they'd learn not to mess with our cars.:twak:

[dontlifttoshift]

The sky isn't falling.

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 convoluted 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?content=startpage&g=semaga

[214Chevy]

Good thing I don't race.:sarcasm_smiley:

[dontlifttoshift]

From the article you linked.

This clarification does not affect EPA's enforcement authority. It is still illegal to tamper with or defeat the emission control systems of motor vehicles. In the course of selecting cases for enforcement, the EPA has and will continue to consider whether the tampered vehicle is used exclusively for competition. The EPA remains primarily concerned with cases where the tampered vehicle is used on public roads, and more specifically with aftermarket manufacturers who sell devices that defeat emission control systems on vehicles used on public roads.
Emphasis added. From this, it sure sounds like (as we stated above) the EPA doesn't plan on confiscating your trailered, track-only race vehicle—only that, as has been the case since emissions regulation began, you're breaking the law if you remove federally-mandated emissions controls from your street-driven car.

Doesn't seem convoluted at all. :shrug:

In case you didn't see this on CC

JG Pasterjak
4 hrs ·
Please stop with the "EPA is trying to ban high-performance parts" thing already. Disappointingly enough, I see some fellow journalist types falling for it as well. They clearly don't remember that this is basically the same rider that's been around for decades that has basically served as sacrificial text for various EPA bills over the years in various forms. Essentially it becomes a way for SEMA to flex its muscle a bit and for the EPA to gain a better understanding of the aftermarket. Actually, at one point, SEMA was actually lobbying for increased restrictions on aftermarket parts because they believed it would raise the standards of the manufacturing and shake loose the crap from the aftermarket. TL;DR: Don't panic. Buy quality parts and support the companies that make them and we'll all be fine.

......and from another forum.

I contacted an EPA lawyer who autocrosses a Vette in DC. He says that this was designed to close the loophole where someone makes an emissions mod on a car, claims it is a competition car, but then drives it on the street and state laws allow that. That's all. Maybe it got garbled but the massive internet freak out? Unjustified.


I haven't seen anywhere where the EPA said "we are coming for your racecars." If Beyonce had just flopped a boob out Sunday night, we wouldn't even be talking about this because SEMA never would have made it to the top of anyone's facebook feed.

[waynieZ]

I just signed and was going to post this glad someone got to it.

[TheJDMan]

SEMA Action Network has issued a legislative alert and started a petition to remove this language from the EPA regulations. Apparently SEMA feels this issue is more important than some of the members here do.

SIGN NOW!

http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=aa2016FED1&g=SEMAGA&utm_source=ET&utm_medium=email&utm_content=50756237&utm_campaign=LegAlert

[Che70velle]

I signed the petition this morning. They need 30k plus more signatures.

[Neil B]

How in the world would they police it? I know when I converted my Fox body Mustang into a full-on road race car, I stopped renewing the registration. No registration, no smog checks, no nothing. And that was in California. I would think a PT car that is registered and licensed would have to pass smog no matter what, even today.

[Che70velle]

How in the world would they police it? I know when I converted my Fox body Mustang into a full-on road race car, I stopped renewing the registration. No registration, no smog checks, no nothing. And that was in California. I would think a PT car that is registered and licensed would have to pass smog no matter what, even today.

Negative. No emissions here in majority of N. Ga. and a lot of southeast as well.

[Neil B]

Negative. No emissions here in majority of N. Ga. and a lot of southeast as well.

Exactly. It is even less policeable in areas of the country with no smog check.

[57hemicuda]

Who's Beyonce?

[214Chevy]

Who's Beyonce?

One of two women I'd leave my wife for. :innocent:

[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 further regulation.

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 not requiring an emissions test, it seems according to the EPA neither car should be allowed 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 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.

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.

[ironworks]

The issue really is we have a law created to give another revenue stream for the government that doesn't have the resources to enforce the laws they have on the book currently. Plus the laws are written by people that really have no idea what they are really talking about. They write laws based on stereo types not facts. Most race engines put out a pretty good emissions level as they have to run good to be race engines. To a point.

But the EPA created laws for the diesel trucks they could not even prove worked or even come close to enforcing. It was really funny. If you have the sticker on your truck its approved. The sticker just says you had the particulate filter put on. But the filter makes the truck run so bad its will always be in the shop. Now they have guys who get dummy filters and just run the sticker. They created a huge black market and the government does nothing to enforce as they have no way of doing it with their system. This was the whole reason I sold my Big Rig a few years ago.

Its just another way to try and get more money. Some how. If its not this one this week, next week will be something else next week.

[TheJDMan]

Right now the issue is not if or how they would enforce such a law. There are specific steps that must be taken before enforcement becomes an issue. First step is that the EPA has to have the law in place before they can work on enforcement.

You may feel safe thinking that the EPA cannot track a street car that has been converted to a racecar because it has not been registered for many years. But the fact of the matter is they don't need to track these cars. Consider this, all they would have to do is send a single enforcement agent to any Saturday night drag race at any drag strip USA where it would be a simple matter to determine which racecars were built from former street cars. Picture a person who looks like any other spectator just roaming the pits looking under cars and under hoods to determine what cars are equipped with emissions systems and which are not. Guess what, this person comes up to your car while you're changing plugs between rounds and looks under the hood, the next thing you know, YOU'RE BUSTED! This is not rocket science people, once the law is in place, make no mistake, they can and will find ways to enforce it.

We need to add our voices to the fight now, not later!

If you have not done so yet, sign the SEMA petition! It's the least you can do to protect your car hobby. Despite what some say, the White House does take notice of these petitions and the more people who sign the more attention it attracts.
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=aa2016FED1&g=SEMAGA

If you are not already a member, join the SEMA Action Network. SAN is to car people, what NRA is to gun people and, again, numbers matter. Be an informed car enthusiast!
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=startpage&g=semaga

[dontlifttoshift]

It is funny that you chose to compare to the NRA because that is the way this whole thing reads to me.

"The NRA says the Gubmint is comin to take our guns"

"The SEMA says the gubmint is comin to take our racecars"

SEMA does a lot of great things, but fear mongering isn't one of them.

[ironworks]

Right now the issue is not if or how they would enforce such a law. There are specific steps that must be taken before enforcement becomes an issue. First step is that the EPA has to have the law in place before they can work on enforcement.

You may feel safe thinking that the EPA cannot track a street car that has been converted to a racecar because it has not been registered for many years. But the fact of the matter is they don't need to track these cars. Consider this, all they would have to do is send a single enforcement agent to any Saturday night drag race at any drag strip USA where it would be a simple matter to determine which racecars were built from former street cars. Picture a person who looks like any other spectator just roaming the pits looking under cars and under hoods to determine what cars are equipped with emissions systems and which are not. Guess what, this person comes up to your car while you're changing plugs between rounds and looks under the hood, the next thing you know, YOU'RE BUSTED! This is not rocket science people, once the law is in place, make no mistake, they can and will find ways to enforce it.

We need you to add our voices to the fight now, not later!

If you have not done so yet, sign the SEMA petition! It's the least you can do to protect your car hobby. Despite what some say, the White House does take notice of these petitions and the more people who sign the more attention it attracts.
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=aa2016FED1&g=SEMAGA

If you are not already a member, join the SEMA Action Network. SAN is to car people, what NRA is to gun people and, again, numbers matter. Be an informed car enthusiast!
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=startpage&g=semaga


Agreed 100% - Whether they know what their talking about or not does not matter when the time comes for them to enforce. I signed the petition this morning and they have gotten almost 45k in signatures since then just today.

[TheJDMan]

It is funny that you chose to compare to the NRA because that is the way this whole thing reads to me.

"The NRA says the Gubmint is comin to take our guns"

"The SEMA says the gubmint is comin to take our racecars"

SEMA does a lot of great things, but fear mongering isn't one of them.

You completely missed the point. The NRA is effective in it's lobbying effort due to the large numbers of it's membership. The same principal applies to SAN. Numbers matter, JOIN SAN!
http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=startpage&g=semaga

[57hemicuda]

This is what we need, no more stinking rules, Anarchy Anarchy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9MiS9tn_r4

[Che70velle]

One of two women I'd leave my wife for. :innocent:

Marcus! Your crazy man!

[JKnight]

102k+ plus signatures as of right now, so it already met the 100k needed.

[COYBILT]

Give them a inch and they will take a mile

[fearlessmark]

I read a number of import tuner magazines, and I would not be surprised if this "clarification" is in response to the 1600whp GT-Rs, and 900whp Evolutions that are featured in these magazines. A lot of these are presented as street driven and many have plates displayed for all to see. Here in CA, there is an exemption from the annual smog test for the first seven years after a new car is sold. These cars generally fall into that exemption period, and anybody with a brain knows that there is no way these cars are emission compliant, especially the EPA and CARB! The only thing that amazes me about all this is that it took them so long to start cracking down! These "street" cars are obviously flaunting the rules, and they are very "in your face" about it. If we in the hobby aren't careful, we may lose the ability to modify our cars at all.

[JsTA]

I read a number of import tuner magazines, and I would not be surprised if this "clarification" is in response to the 1600whp GT-Rs, and 900whp Evolutions that are featured in these magazines. A lot of these are presented as street driven and many have plates displayed for all to see. Here in CA, there is an exemption from the annual smog test for the first seven years after a new car is sold. These cars generally fall into that exemption period, and anybody with a brain knows that there is no way these cars are emission compliant, especially the EPA and CARB! The only thing that amazes me about all this is that it took them so long to start cracking down! These "street" cars are obviously flaunting the rules, and they are very "in your face" about it. If we in the hobby aren't careful, we may lose the ability to modify our cars at all.

Those are a very very small minority even in the GTR world though. Seems like a lot of wasted political effort for a very small perceived gain. Then again anything California related seems to mirror that same mindset.

[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 in any way at all.

Although this is targeting race only cars, it absolutely translates to targeting street cars too. If at the very least the EPA shuts down production of performance parts for emissions equipped cars rather than chasing down offenders at races, this will not only require a race car to be stock engine configurations, it will cease us putting a GT40 intake on a Fox Body Mustang, or a dual exhaust kit sans cats on your 75 Camaro, or headers on your 69 Camaro if it came with an air pump, despite the fact that it's a street driver and not a dedicated race car.

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. Not! If we as enthusiasts put a leash on it and oppose this regulation now it makes it that much easier to negotiate in the future. If we take it lightly and let the EPA gain control, it will do just the opposite and they will regulate our hobby into boring melancholy.


Click here to read SEMA's 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)

[Che70velle]

Over 135K signatures so far. Sure, it's more than the target number, but the more opposition to this, the better. If you haven't signed it, go do it. It's free, and only takes a couple of minutes.

[96z28ss]

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

EPA Proposed Regulation:

Under the EPA proposed regulation, certified motor vehicles and engines and their emission control devices must remain in their certified configuration even if they are used solely for competition. Violators would be subject to the fines and penalties included in the tampering prohibitions.

SEMA’s Understanding of Proposal as Confirmed by the EPA:

SEMA representatives met with EPA officials on January 20, 2016 to confirm the association’s understanding of the proposed regulation. The EPA officials confirmed that the regulation would make it illegal to convert a certified motor vehicle into a vehicle to be used solely for competition. The EPA officials claimed that this had always been their interpretation of the Clean Air Act.

Myth: This proposal is not changing current law.

Congress never intended the Clean Air Act to be interpreted as giving the EPA the authority to regulate vehicles used solely for competition, regardless of whether the vehicles were once emissions-certified road vehicles. Once a vehicle is taken out of use as a road vehicle and dedicated solely to racing, it is beyond the laws which apply to road vehicles. The EPA and SEMA fundamentally disagree on this point. SEMA has cited the statutory text, legislative history, and congressional intent of the Clean Air Act, as well as 46 years of history whereby vehicles have been converted from certified road status to status as race vehicles without any objection from EPA.

Myth: The EPA is merely clarifying the law as it relates to motor vehicles and nonroad vehicles, and its proposal only affects vehicles driven on the streets.

The EPA is adding new language to the regulations. This new language states that a motor vehicle can never be modified, even if it is used solely for competition and never again used on public roads. The EPA is seeking to prohibit modifications affecting any emissions-related component, such as engines, engine control modules, intakes, exhaust systems, etc.

Myth: The EPA’s proposal only affects medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

The EPA inserted the problematic language into a rulemaking that focuses on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, however, the rulemaking also includes a section entitled “Miscellaneous EPA Amendments.” The language affecting “vehicles used solely for competition” (i.e., racecars) was a “miscellaneous EPA amendment” and would, in fact, affect all light-duty vehicles, not just trucks.

Myth: SEMA is overreacting, this will never get passed.

The EPA has issued a proposed regulation. Regulations are issued by federal agencies and not voted on by elected representatives. If the language becomes final (EPA is expected to issue a final regulation in July), then it will have the force of law and can only be challenged in federal court or overturned by Congress.

Myth: The EPA could not enforce this proposal.

The proposal would give the EPA the power to enforce against any vehicle owner that converts his or her emissions-controlled motor vehicle into a vehicle to be used solely for competition. Whether or not the EPA chooses to enforce, it would be illegal for an individual to convert their motor vehicle. Additionally, the EPA has stated that it will enforce against aftermarket companies that sell parts for use on the converted vehicles, which will limit racers’ access to parts.

Myth: The EPA’s proposal would not affect vehicles that have already been converted into racecars.

It is the EPA’s position that they will be able to enforce against vehicles that have already been converted in the past. While the EPA has indicated that it does not currently plan on enforcing against individuals, it does plan on going after the companies supplying parts for vehicles that have already been converted. So, if you have a racecar that began life as a street car, this regulation would affect your access to parts, and leave you open to enforcement if the agency so chooses.

Fact: The EPA’s proposal would not affect racecars with original emissions controls.

The EPA notes that race vehicles with original, unmodified emission controls, including the original engine configuration, engine control module, intake and exhaust components, do not violate the law. The issue is that very few competition race vehicles have been left unmodified and in a certified configuration.

Fact: The EPA’s proposal would not affect purpose-built racecars, such as sprint cars, open-wheel dragsters and the cars that currently compete in NASCAR.

The EPA agrees that vehicles that were originally manufactured for racing are excluded from regulation under the Clean Air Act. However, the EPA believes this exclusion extends only to vehicles that were never certified for on-road use or issued a VIN.

Fact: The EPA’s proposal will not affect the exemption for “nonroad vehicles,” such as dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles and boats used solely for competition.

The EPA has indicated that it will continue to allow “nonroad vehicles” (dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats) to be exempted from certain emissions regulations if they are used solely for competition. Distinct from its stance on motor vehicles, however, the EPA’s current position on nonroad vehicles allows emissions-certified nonroad vehicles to be converted into vehicles used solely for competition.

Get the Facts for Yourself:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles--Phase 2, 80 Fed. Reg. 40,138 (July 13, 2015), docket no. EPA–HQ–OAR–2014–0827:

Please use the search function to locate this provision within the proposed regulation:
PART 86--CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW AND IN-USE HIGHWAY VEHICLES AND ENGINES
***
Subpart S--General Compliance Provisions for Control of Air Pollution From New and In-Use Light-Duty Vehicles, Light-Duty Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
***
67. Section 86.1854-12 is amended by adding paragraph (b)(5) to read as follows:

§ 86.1854-12 Prohibited acts.

[RickM415]

all these 3 letter agencies only objective is to take your money and create bs laws that do nothing but make up bs fees and taxes, even an air compressor needs a permit in CA :headspin:

[214Chevy]

all these 3 letter agencies only objective is to take your money and create bs laws that do nothing but make up bs fees and taxes, even an air compressor needs a permit in CA :headspin:

All of those 3 letter organizations basically spell one thing..."FEDERAL GOVERNMENT." And we all know the gov't is all about money in the form of taxes and fees.

[98ssnova]

So found this what do you think about this. I am not buying it.
http://http://www.thedrive.com/article/2137/epa-clarifies-its-position-on-race-cars-internet-freaks-out

[Efi69Cam]

It is funny that you chose to compare to the NRA because that is the way this whole thing reads to me.

"The NRA says the Gubmint is comin to take our guns"

"The SEMA says the gubmint is comin to take our racecars"

SEMA does a lot of great things, but fear mongering isn't one of them.

If you think what the NRA does is fear mongering you have not been paying attention.

The Olympic shooting team in Great Britain needs to travel to France to practice. Our friends in Australia need a engineering certificate for modifications like 4 link conversions that we take for granted, on top of not being able to own most firearms. Government out of control is something we need to fear.

SEMA SAN like the NRA serves a great purpose in terms of informing citizens when their rights are in danger. Comparing the two is entirely appropriate.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

98SS- If you're referring to the article by the Drive, I disagree totally with their approach. This shouldn't be taken lightly. Any situation like the rights of the masses of human beings is put into the hands of a few it's likely it won't benefit the masses. Yes SEMA is behind in fighting this but the EPA's intention is not to shut everything down right now... Their intention is to clarify "what was said many years ago" so that they are in a position to have clear authority to regulate it at any given moment. That's easily translated to "we totally intend to regulate all this at a future date, but for now we're going to give it to you softly so it's easy to swallow. Once the poison is ingested we will then watch it shut you down." Did you know a snake can memorize a bird by staring at it as it slowly and patiently creeps up, and as the bird still has a false sense of safety, out of nowhere the snake snatches up the bird and swallows it alive. That sort of tactic takes place everywhere when a group or individual has a long term agenda to accomplish what they want.

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 even "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 us as individuals, that's too large a task to try to regulate. 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 the EPA's 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 at some point 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 and opposition (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.

[TheJDMan]

The EPA is not coming for your racecar. The EPA is coming for the aftermarket companies that make parts to turn your street car into a racecar.

Read this MotorTrend article. It will scare the crap out of you!

http://www.motortrend.com/news/epas-real-target-the-automotive-aftermarket/

[Che70velle]

The EPA is not coming for your racecar. The EPA is coming for the aftermarket companies that make parts to turn your street car into a racecar.

Read this MotorTrend article. It will scare the crap out of you!

http://www.motortrend.com/news/epas-real-target-the-automotive-aftermarket/

Steve, this is the notion that I took from all of this information. Stop the aftermarket, you therefore stop the conversions. Stop the conversions, you therefore stop the hobby. You simply can't build a hotrod without parts.
I'd like to hear a guy like Vic Edlebrock's opinion on this issue...

[Spiffav8]

Their are no fair minded people in the EPA who are addressing this. The only intent is to eliminate any and all forms of racing via any means. It is and will be an attack on several fronts. They will eliminate the after market industry. Period. (SEMA's sole reason for existing and a huge cash cow) Any item that they can not prove as being "intended for" and that modify a vehicle from it's stock form will be so tightly controlled, restricted and expensive at every level, that it won't be worth it.

We have already seen changes in the ways various branches of our Government have started addressing and enforcing the laws they cover. What's to stop the EPA from showing up at an event in a law enforcement capacity. You are held until your car has passed their inspection and if it fails, it is confiscated (sent to the crusher) and the owner arrested/cited. We have seen "street racers" in CA have this happen (for violating the law). Even if they don't "catch you", they will "starve you". With no replacement parts, sooner or later it's game over.

Think they will allow non modified cars to be raced? Maybe for a few, but at some point the use of any and all cars will simply be deemed as "for transportation only". If it ain't taking you to and from work, you are "unnecessarily polluting or wasting" or a resource.

It's important to be leery of labels or of something like this being defined. Even more so when you consider "who" is doing it or what that "interpretation" is.

This isn't good on any level and should be fought on every level. 2016 is going to be a sh1t show, especially in it's final days.

Hey...Enjoy the weekend! :lol:

[TheJDMan]

Their are no fair minded people in the EPA who are addressing this. The only intent is to eliminate any and all forms of racing via any means.

This statement is completely unfair and false. The EPA is made up of ordinary people just like you and I, both Democrats and Republicans, who work a job, pay a mortgage and have families. The EPA has no interest in eliminating any form of racing. The EPA is focused solely on reducing emission sources and in that respect they have done an outstanding job. Today we have clean air to breath and clean water in our lakes and streams to drink.

Our problem as car enthusiasts is that we don't want them in our play ground messing with our toys. So the issue we need to focus on is not bashing the EPA, but working on solutions for stopping additional regulations from becoming law which will ultimately kill the aftermarket manufacturers.

To be perfectly honest, I happen to like clean air and water. The problem is I also like racing and racecars. So I have a conflict of interest that I have to deal with. Because of this conflict, would like to see a dialog started between SEMA and EPA on possible alternatives to just a blanket law that you must have factory certified emissions equipment installed. I would like to see an alternate procedure in place whereby any aftermarket engine builder would be allowed to simply pass an emissions sniff test and have the engine be certified legal. Given the state of modern technology, computer machining processes and EFI, I don't think it would be unreasonable to be able to build an engine that could pass emissions tests without the arbitrary need for emissions hardware hanging on it.

Join SEMA Action Network today!
http://semasan.com

[fleetus macmullitz]

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/feb/11/gold-king-mine-spill-colorado-epa-investigation

An investigation of a mine waste accident in Colorado that fouled rivers in three states with arsenic, lead and other toxic substances has found further evidence that government workers knew a spill from the gold mine was possible, according to documents released on Thursday by a US House of Representatives committee.

Hays Griswold, an Environmental Protection Agency official in charge of the Gold King mine at the time of the August accident, said in an email he “personally knew” the plugged, inactive mine could contain large volumes of water.

The email was sent on 28 October to other EPA officials and provided on Thursday by the House natural resources committee as it released the findings of the Republican-led investigation.

An EPA clean-up crew triggered the spill during excavation work at the mine’s entrance, unleashing a three-million-gallon deluge that contaminated rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

The release dumped more than 880,000lb of heavy metals into Colorado’s Animas River, forcing the closure of downstream public water systems until the plume passed and raising concerns about long-term environmental impacts.

“I personally knew it could be holding back a lot of water, and I believe the others in the group knew as well,” Griswold wrote in the email.

EPA officials did not immediately respond to questions about the email.

The spill occurred when workers for EPA and its contractor, Environmental Restoration, started excavation work that was intended to allow them to safely drain the mine.

An Interior Department investigation pinned responsibility on the EPA for not checking to see if the mine held pressurized water. EPA officials previously said the workers on site determined there was no or low pressure from water backed up inside the mine.

Griswold indicated in the email that the determination of low water pressure was based on mistaken assumptions about the location of the top of the mine’s buried entrance, known in mining as the brow.

The excavation work was intended to clear away debris for the entrance before the mine was to be drained at a later date, he wrote.

“We and or I particularly thought we were four or maybe five feet above the brow,” Griswold wrote.

...cont'd at link.

[Spiffav8]

This statement is completely unfair and false. The EPA is made up of ordinary people just like you and I, both Democrats and Republicans, who work a job, pay a mortgage and have families. The EPA has no interest in eliminating any form of racing. The EPA is focused solely on reducing emission sources and in that respect they have done an outstanding job. Today we have clean air to breath and clean water in our lakes and streams to drink.

Our problem as car enthusiasts is that we don't want them in our play ground messing with our toys. So the issue we need to focus on is not bashing the EPA, but working on solutions for stopping additional regulations from becoming law which will ultimately kill the aftermarket manufacturers.

To be perfectly honest, I happen to like clean air and water. The problem is I also like racing and racecars. So I have a conflict of interest that I have to deal with. Because of this conflict, would like to see a dialog started between SEMA and EPA on possible alternatives to just a blanket law that you must have factory certified emissions equipment installed. I would like to see an alternate procedure in place whereby any aftermarket engine builder would be allowed to simply pass an emissions sniff test and have the engine be certified legal. Given the state of modern technology, computer machining processes and EFI, I don't think it would be unreasonable to be able to build an engine that could pass emissions tests without the arbitrary need for emissions hardware hanging on it.

Join SEMA Action Network today!
http://semasan.com


Completely unfair and false? Not really. Kind of harsh though.

I to like clean air, water, etc. I also share your desire to see a balanced and fair way of achieving goals that satisfy all parties. Sadly that's not reality. Not everyone thinks like that. There are those that look at cars like yours and mine and see them as evil. Doesn't matter than you've replaced that old engine with a modern one and have reduced the emission output, increased the MPG, improved the safety and lowered the carbon foot print....all things they want. We are seen as loud, wild and unruly. You are the enemy, evil and the source of the problem in their mind. I will never forget being in NORCAL and seeing the stereotypical Birkenstock wearing, tree huger who is driving a beat up VW bug. The back end of the car was covered with "SAVE THE _____" stickers. The truly funny part was that this car was blowing black exhaust, the brakes sounded like metal on metal, and it was rusty beyond belief. This is the type of person that doesn't like you or your Camaro and fights to have it illuminated. This person is lobbying, backing and the type that gravitates towards a job in the EPA. It's a good cause kind of thing.

When have we ever seen the government pass laws that are fair for everyone, don't negatively impact the end users (you and I) or industry unfairly? That just doesn't happen. Take the hot topics of Guns and Gay Marriage for an example. What does happen is extremely restrictive laws are passed that go far beyond what's needed. Then those laws have to be challenged and fought to gain back some of what was lost.

I look at it like this. If I wanted to crush something in America that I didn't like, the easy way would be to create laws that where like an iron cap that cut off any and all means. Then I'd sit back back and fend off attacks. I've already won and even if some or part of what I accomplished is reversed...the negatives have all ready done damage.

The reality is that the EPA is a government agency that does what it's told to do. It is also made up of people (not all) who have selfish motives of one type or another (this is everywhere) and people who need to justify their jobs/reason for being. This isn't just an EPA or even government thing. It's a people thing.

Guys like you and I who want balance, have to fight these things in a harsh way. If we put an iron cap on the subject, we control what happens.

With Respect Brother! :captain:

[JsTA]

This statement is completely unfair and false. The EPA is made up of ordinary people just like you and I, both Democrats and Republicans, who work a job, pay a mortgage and have families. The EPA has no interest in eliminating any form of racing. The EPA is focused solely on reducing emission sources and in that respect they have done an outstanding job. Today we have clean air to breath and clean water in our lakes and streams to drink.

Our problem as car enthusiasts is that we don't want them in our play ground messing with our toys. So the issue we need to focus on is not bashing the EPA, but working on solutions for stopping additional regulations from becoming law which will ultimately kill the aftermarket manufacturers.

To be perfectly honest, I happen to like clean air and water. The problem is I also like racing and racecars. So I have a conflict of interest that I have to deal with. Because of this conflict, would like to see a dialog started between SEMA and EPA on possible alternatives to just a blanket law that you must have factory certified emissions equipment installed. I would like to see an alternate procedure in place whereby any aftermarket engine builder would be allowed to simply pass an emissions sniff test and have the engine be certified legal. Given the state of modern technology, computer machining processes and EFI, I don't think it would be unreasonable to be able to build an engine that could pass emissions tests without the arbitrary need for emissions hardware hanging on it.

Join SEMA Action Network today!
http://semasan.com

We live in a capitalistic economy. Let the industries sort this out and let demand drive innovation instead of threat of law driving barely any innovation. If the market doesn't want demand safer car or lower emissions, then it is obviously not a major issue in the minds of the general public. The country was originally ran by its inhabitants, not a select group of few that are "elected" and then distance themselves from the very issues they are creating. We are the employer, not the other way around.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

As mentioned before my understanding is 1975 was when cats were standard, but emissions equip dates back to the late 60s. These laws won't affect only late model cars, unless the EPA comes out and specifies that. There are many cars from the 70s, be it racer or street cars, that had emiss. equip that left the car long ago.

Besides my pro touring car I have a Nova set up for street /strip with an old school n/a SBC engine that has a pretty nasty solid cam in it. There's no way on this planet that engine will pass a sniffer test at idle and likely runs a little rich at full throttle. I used to drive this car daily daily (when I could afford to before I got married and had kids, lol) and on a good day with it's 4.56 gears it got 6 mpg. Along with perhaps 10s of thousands of other enthusiasts, not all of us has swapped an emissions friendly LS motor into our cars, nor do we all want to. So we're stuck with non-modern engines that don't burn cleaner, aren't more fuel efficient, don't get better gas mileage, and even with a pair of cats likely still won't pass a sniffer test.

But, these cars haul beans as they are built to do. Laws like this will shut them down, and that's unfortunate. Again I say it will be pretty boring to go to a race event and see a bunch of cars running down a track with engines restored to their low hp smog equip laden engines. Where's the fun in that?

Ultimately this is give and take from both sides. The EPA can't just sit back and say race cars are a direct detriment to the cleanliness of our air, they have ti realize we're a very small part of a very large problem, and part of the history of America. Boats produce emissions, airplanes produce emissions, off road bikes and other toys produce emissions, so in all that why are they now targeting auto racers only? What's next after us? Boat racing? Air shows? Motocross? ...

[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

[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

What he said- http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=52448&highlight=EPA

[JsTA]

For some reason I have the feeling that once the dust settles on this, race cars and all that will not be effected but modified street cars will be hung out to dry.:badidea:

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Claiming they're simply clarifying a rule already in place is something I have a hard time believing. Something tells me it's setting them up to allow, should they feel the need, for future laws being enacted and put into force. With any type of legislation that gives them power to enforce rules as they feel necessary it will lead to limiting our hobby in some way. It's likely impossible to limit race cars as they have stated and not have it affect street cars in some way too.

[TheJDMan]

Breaking News: White House Responds to Racecar Petition

Action, Support for Congressional Bill More Important Than Ever. ACT NOW!

Earlier this year, the White House was flooded with nearly 170,000 signatures from racing enthusiasts and industry stakeholders concerned about an over-reaching regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Obama Administration's “We the People Team” recently responded, noting that the EPA is still considering the proposed standards and that the issue is still in review. But we need to keep the pressure on Washington.

While the battle regarding the EPA proposal continues, the U.S. Congress has introduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, legislation which – if enacted into law – will ensure that street vehicles can continue to be modified for the race track. Even if the EPA removes the provision to prohibit the conversion of motor vehicles into racecars from its regulation, the RPM Act is the only way to guarantee that the practice of modifying street vehicles into dedicated racecars is protected not just today, but in the future as well.

Many legislators and government officials have voiced support for the RPM Act. However, many elected officials are still undecided. It is crucial that the entire racing community continues to send letters to their congressional lawmakers demanding support for the RPM Act. Take a minute to write your legislators below. Every letter counts!

http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?content=aa2016FED2&g=SEMAGA

[JsTA]

Breaking News: White House Responds to Racecar Petition

Action, Support for Congressional Bill More Important Than Ever. ACT NOW!

Earlier this year, the White House was flooded with nearly 170,000 signatures from racing enthusiasts and industry stakeholders concerned about an over-reaching regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Obama Administration's “We the People Team” recently responded, noting that the EPA is still considering the proposed standards and that the issue is still in review. But we need to keep the pressure on Washington.

While the battle regarding the EPA proposal continues, the U.S. Congress has introduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, legislation which – if enacted into law – will ensure that street vehicles can continue to be modified for the race track. Even if the EPA removes the provision to prohibit the conversion of motor vehicles into racecars from its regulation, the RPM Act is the only way to guarantee that the practice of modifying street vehicles into dedicated racecars is protected not just today, but in the future as well.

Many legislators and government officials have voiced support for the RPM Act. However, many elected officials are still undecided. It is crucial that the entire racing community continues to send letters to their congressional lawmakers demanding support for the RPM Act. Take a minute to write your legislators below. Every letter counts!

http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?content=aa2016FED2&g=SEMAGA


Sent but I feel like mine will fall of deaf ears. One of my state reps was highly instrumental in getting our only local drag strip closed.

One thing I am still worried about is how this effects street cars. Is the RPM Act all inclusive towards them? It seems rather ambiguously worded in that regard and only looks to protect people that convert cars and will never street drive them again.