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Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.
Progress Made On RPM Act
Over the last several weeks, the MRF has become increasingly active in its new role as a member of the RPM Working Group and it appears that we’ve made some progress on the issue.
For those who participated in the Washington, DC lobby day back in May, (also known as Michael ‘Boz’ Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway) you know that one of our key issues that we advocated for was support and passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act or “RPM Act.” The RPM Act aims to correct a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation that would effectively ban any conversion of street automobiles or motorcycles into racing vehicles. As if this provision wasn’t alarming enough, the language pertaining to race-modified street vehicles and motorcycles was buried in a 600+ page proposal having to do with cutting emissions from heavy- and medium-duty trucks pertaining to greenhouse gases! Though it was only one sentence, it would effectively outlaw part of the amateur car and motorcycle racing industry. As a solution, the RPM Act was introduced and we’ve been working tirelessly to rally support. The bill recently enjoyed a big influx of co-sponsors that was directly related to your work during Bikers Inside the Beltway.
Since then, the MRF has been collaborating with a Working Group which recently sent a letter to leadership in both the House and Senate asking for progress on the bill. Your MRF was a signatory on the letter along with Harley Davidson, the Motorcycle Industry Council, the American Motorcycle Association and others.
This week we were informed that as a temporary fix, a Member of Congress from North Carolina had offered some immediate relief to address our concerns. Yesterday, Rep. McHenry (R-NC) offered an amendment to a bill that funds the EPA. The amendment would require a one-year suspension of EPA’s authority to enforce the “tampering” prohibition against motor vehicle and motorcycle conversions. Though the solution is temporary, it buys the RPM Working Group more time to achieve a bigger and more permanent fix, ensuring the EPA doesn’t continue its creep into regulating motorcycles.
A Motorcycle ‘Friendly’ Looks Towards to a New Role in the Senate
Many of our members, friends, and allies are familiar with Representative Todd Young, a Republican Member of Congress from Indiana. ABATE of Indiana is especially familiar with the Congressman as he has always been a champion for motorcycle rights both in the state and federally. Some of you may remember Rep. Young who, from what I am told, spoke at a previous Bikers Inside the Beltway Event.
Elected to the U.S. Congress in 2011, Congressman Young was intent on making the government smaller and less intrusive to its citizens and small businesses. Big on the concept of self-governance, Young earned himself a reputation as a standout among the freshman Members of Congress. Last year, Rep. Young announced he would be running for a Senate seat opened up by the retirement of Republican Dan Coats. Recently, I was lucky enough to have dinner with Congressman Young and was impressed with not only his tenacity, but his knowledge and appreciation of motorcycling as well as the activities of ABATE of Indiana. The Congressman also made reference to Mitch Daniels, the former Governor of Indiana and his affiliation for riding. I asked the Congressman if he had any interest in taking up motorcycling, he didn’t hesitate with his quick response of YES! but quickly followed it by saying I’d have to take it up with his wife!
The Congressman’s outlook for a Senate run is looking good for November. If he is elected, I feel strongly that he will continue to be an ally of motorcycling and a champion to rely on in the Senate. At that point I’ll likely solicit volunteers to have the conversation with Todd Young’s wife about getting him on a bike!
Megan’s Take: New Digs in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area
Though this doesn’t fit quite underneath the policy and government relations umbrella, we wanted our members and partners to know that we are undergoing some changes to our office space in Washington, DC. As we are constantly looking to get more bang for your buck, the decision was recently made to peruse other office locations in the D.C. area. We’ve secured a new space in Crystal City which is in Arlington, VA and about three miles from our current office location. The rent is significantly less expensive, but close enough to the U.S. Capitol to continue to be a regular presence. Plus, we will have the space to host everyone at our office during next year’s Bikers Inside the Beltway Event! We’ll be transitioning over the next few months so look for more from us concerning a new mailing address. In the meantime, you can still reach us at our D.C. address on G Street and our phone numbers will remain the same.
Your Friend in Washington,
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Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation