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NEWS FROM THE HILL – Infrastructure Boost Coming, RFS Bill, Hearing on Tolls
During his run for President, Donald Trump indicated that a cornerstone of his policy objectives would be a large influx of spending and activity to boost the nation’s infrastructure; meaning improved and new roads and highways, bridges, tunnels, water supply, sewers, etc. Currently, his administration appears to be in the initial stages of putting together a fleshed-out plan to achieve this. Over in Congress, there has been an assurance that lawmakers would be reviewing legislation that leverages public-private partnerships, and private investments through tax incentives, to spur $1 trillion in infrastructure investment over 10 years. Bill Shuster, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says he's eyeing summer or early fall for a package in Congress. But the actual timeline, it seems, could change at any moment - depending on the progress of other Republican priorities. The MRF is closely following developments as any large infrastructure package could be a breeding ground to insert safety initiatives plugged by NHTSA as well as other safety-minded non-profits.
On March 2nd Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced the reintroduction of the “RFS Reform Act” (H.R. 1315) and the “RFS Elimination Act” (H.R. 1314). The lawmakers introduced similar bills in previous congresses but all failed to advance. The RFS Reform Act eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels, and decreases the total volume of renewable fuel that must be contained in gasoline sold or introduced into commerce for years 2017-2022. It is unclear whether the measures have a better chance of passage in 2017-2018. The RFS is a divisive issue with President Trump indicating during his run for President that he was supportive of ethanol and ethanol producers. The MRF will continue to monitor any and all legislation affecting ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply and continue working through a coalition in D.C. to find common sense changes to the RFS ensuring that the integrity of our motorcycles is not compromised.
Recently, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing to examine infrastructure funding needs and options. The hearing was largely positive, as participants recognized the critical need to invest money to repair and improve America's roads and bridges, but also voiced concern over undesirable revenue-raising mechanisms such as tolling. There were multiple witnesses who we expected to strongly advocate for tolling, but in the end expressed a strong preference for direct federal spending. The MRF is working with the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates to voice its opposition to toll roads and was included as a signatory to a letter that went to Committee members indicating this. For a copy of the letter, contact Megan Ekstrom.
EXECUTIVE & REGULATORY UPDATES – Federal Trim Down Coming?
Surrounded by his Cabinet, President Trump signed an executive order this week calling on each federal agency to report within 180 days with a reorganization plan "to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of that agency." The next step would be for these recommendations to be presented to the President and Congress to "eliminate unnecessary agencies" after soliciting public input and considering whether certain functions could better be performed by the private sector or the states.
"Today there is duplication and redundancy everywhere," the President said. "This order requires a thorough examination of every executive department and agency to see where money is being wasted, how services can be improved and whether programs are truly serving American citizens."
This action was also promised during Trump’s run for the presidency though it’s unclear how drastic any changes might be at this juncture. As an underlying principal of the MRF, the organization strongly believes in less government interference in motorcycling and ridership. Specifically, the MRF has voiced concerns about the EPA, Department of Transportation, NHTSA, the Federal Highway Administration and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As such, we will be monitoring plans from these Agencies very closely.
STATE NEWS
Last week the California DMV proposed to allow cars that don't have pedals, a steering wheel or a human driver to be tested on public roads by year's end. Federal regulators would first have to sign off on such testing, according to the proposal. In addition, the DMV will require that someone at least be monitoring a car remotely if a human cannot take control of it during emergency situations. California is one of many states that will examine the role of autonomous vehicles and how they fit in with local laws and ordinances. The MRF is watching this activity and also lobbying at the federal level ensuring that motorcyclists are protected from any potential dangers of these newly emerging self-driving cars.
MRF NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
As many of you know, last year the MRF assumed a new endeavor related to the unconstitutional practice of motorcycle profiling. After reports began to rise from our own membership citing instances where they felt singled out by law enforcement simply because of their appearance, apparel, or because they are simply riding a motorcycle, the MRF decided to take action.
As a part of our advocacy in this area, we are working with the Motorcycle Profiling Project (MPP) to help supply data to support our arguments over the concern and rise of motorcycle profiling. In 2017, the Motorcycle Profiling Project has launched a survey designed to reach an even broader audience to help gather data. Its results will be used as critical tools in the efforts to obtain legislative relief across the country.
Please take a few moments and fill out the survey which can be accessed by clicking on the link below. It’s completely anonymous and its only 15 questions. Also, feel free to pass it along to other riders, MROs and your contacts to ensure the survey reaches the broadest audience possible.
http://www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com/national-motorcycle-profling-survey/
YOUR VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
RIDE FREE-
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Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation