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Washington, DC … The Environmental Protection Agency published its final rule on "large spark ignition engines" on September 14, but the agency balked at including tougher regulation of street motorcycles. "EPA intended to include in this proposal new exhaust standards for highway motorcycles and marine spark ignition engines," EPA wrote, adding that proposals for street bikes and marine engines would be addressed separately "within the next few months." Exclusion of street bikes is an important victory for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations in our sustained struggle against unnecessary regulation that directly threatens our machines and our lifestyle. "Thanks in no small part to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the Administration decided not to rush to proposal with respect to highway motorcycles," said Mr. Austin Perez of the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. "MRF and the state organizations weighed into the process, and it worked." The EPA's unexpected move follows comprehensive action by ABATE of Illinois in amassing grassroots opposition to more restrictive emissions standards and attendant regulations through its "Operation Wrench" battle plan. It follows a concerted effort by riders in Illinois and throughout the country in writing letters of objection to EPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman. It also follows an intensive lobbying effort by MRF that raised Administration awareness of the devastating impact EPA's proposal would have on small-volume motorcycle makers, custom shops, and individual rider safety and freedom. "This action demonstrates the effectiveness of the joint MRF-SMRO team," observed Tom Pauley, MRF President, "and the wisdom of our strategy." Prior to the ruling, for example, MRF wrote to the Office of Management and Budget, laying out MRF's many concerns about additional regulation of street motorcycles. The letter argued that the anticipated ruling did not adequately address our concerns on three fundamental fronts: economics (primarily small business impacts), broad public policy, and individual freedom. "The fight is not over," Mr. Pauley said, "but we have won an important victory and we must sustain the momentum." MRF anticipates that EPA is heading back to the drawing board to issue a new proposal, possibly as early as November. That proposal will be followed by a public comment period. Important note: EPA may also hold public meetings on the street motorcycle proposal, as it calls for public meetings in its September 14 proposal on non-road engines. MRF will keep you informed as details become available. How can you do more? Ride with the LeadersTM to Topeka, Kansas, September 27-29, where MRF's Meeting of the Minds will present a comprehensive discussion on countering the threat posed by needless environmental regulation. Moderated by Tom Pauley, the EPA panel will feature Todd Vandermyde of Illinois speaking on "Operation Wrench," John Paliwoda of the California Motorcycle Dealers Association discussing the California regulatory experience, and automotive engineer Vince Piacenti explaining the technical details of environmental regulation. Rounding out the panel will be Tom Wyld, MRF lobbyist, on our strategy for the future. MRF: My Ride is Freedom --- For further information contact Tom Wyld at 202-546-0983 or by e-mail at wyld@mrf.org
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