<td data-cellinner="cell1" style="width:100.0%;">
Bikers Inside the Beltway Helps to Add Co-Sponsors on the RPM Act
During the days surrounding the Michael ‘Boz’ Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB) lobby event, a plethora of co-sponsors were added to The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (RPM Act) in both the House and the Senate. Lawmakers from Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Florida, Oklahoma, and Michigan have all lent their name as co-sponsors to the bill increasing its chances of advancement. Currently, the Senate bill has 12 co-sponsors and the House bill has 84 co-sponsors. This a direct result of the work done last week by our SMROs, sustaining club members and partners. As a reminder, the bill would ensure that converting any motor vehicle (including street motorcycles) remains legal and motorcyclists have the right to modify their bikes as they see fit. Legislation like this is imperative as the EPA continues its efforts to play a role in regulating motorcycles.
Ethanol Bills Thrive in Washington
Last week saw the introduction of yet another legislative proposal addressing the use of ethanol blends in fuel. Introduced by Congressman Bill Flores from Texas, the proposal would institute a cap on the ethanol content in fuel. Presumably the bill would stop what many are concerned about; an uncomfortable creep towards a higher content of ethanol in gasoline which could have the effect of voiding many motorcycle warranties. The bill introduced last week marks the 16th bill concerning ethanol in the 114th Congress alone, and the issue remains as controversial as ever.
Rather than pick a side, the MRF position on ethanol seeks to achieve a federal policy that emphasizes research on ethanol blends. Encouraging new research, specifically targeted towards engines in motorcycles and the effects on internal combustion, could help to alleviate the concerns of motorcycle riders as well as motorcycle manufacturers.
Megan’s Take
As some of you may have heard me say, last week’s indoctrination to the MRF and our members was akin to drinking from a fire hose. The BITB event was fast-paced, eye opening and even a bit crazy at moments, but most of all it was FUN. What I saw during my time with our membership far surpassed my expectations. Every single one of our SMRO reps, sustaining club members and partners that were in Washington last week were engaged, dedicated and, perhaps most importantly, well-connected to their elected officials. I can say with authority that this is rare to see in D.C. and you all should be so proud of what you have accomplished. While it certainly makes my job easier, I hope we can continue to count on the grassroots to pound the pavement; meeting with your officials in your home state and continuing to build champions for our cause. Of course if I or anyone at the MRF can help you in these conversations, either by providing talking points, background information or just a friendly ear, I hope you will not hesitate to contact us. As many have said in the conversations I have had over the course of the last 10 days…we are all in this together.
Your Friend in Washington,
![]()
Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation