Deadlines for Congress
A number of pieces of legislation still must be passed by Congress before the legislation expires on September 30th. Most important to motorcyclists is the Highway Reauthorization Bill. While the House of Representatives passed their version of the Highway Bill, the Senate has yet to release their draft. With time running out, it is becoming more and more likely that a temporary extension will be passed by Congress. The extension would likely last a year and would mean Congress would start again in 2021 on a new Highway Bill.
Fortunately, if this does happen, Congress will not start from square one. Congressional committees and staff will build off of work they have already done, including taking provisions that were in included in bills that passed one chamber and inserting them in any new bills going forward.
The Highway Bill isn’t the only piece of legislation that faces upcoming deadlines. Congress must also pass 12 spending bills to avoid a government shutdown before the start of the government’s fiscal year on October 1st. The National Flood Insurance Program also expires on September 30th. While the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program and some Medicare and Medicaid programs will expire at the end of November without congressional action.
What’s worse, between Labor Day and Election Day, Congress is only scheduled to be in Washington, D.C. for 15 days! This leaves little time to address pressing deadlines. Kicking the can down the road has become an artform in Washington, D.C. and it appears Congress will buy itself more time, while failing to meet its self-imposed deadlines. We will know more by the end of the month.
Trump on Ethanol
Over the weekend, after a conversation with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, President Trump tweeted: “Subject only to State approval, our important Ethanol Industry will be allowed to use the 10% Pumps for the 15% BLEND.”
The move builds on earlier Trump administration changes designed to boost U.S. sales of corn-based ethanol and expand the market for a 15% ethanol-gasoline blend known as E15. In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted restrictions that blocked the sale of E15 in the summer in many areas of the U.S. A lawsuit filed by the oil industry to block the year-round use of E15 is still pending.
Although President Trump said the newest shift would only need state approval, it is unclear if some additional EPA rulemaking would be required. As more information on the topic becomes available, we will keep you posted.
Here in D.C. the MRF actively supports H.R. 1024, the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2019. This bill requires information be provided to the public about the risks associated with the improper use of E15 fuel in certain vehicles, engines, and equipment.
Specifically, the bill directs the EPA to revise labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E15 fuel. The labels must include warning information about vehicles, engines, and equipment (e.g., boats, lawn mowers, chain saws, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and pre-2001 model year vehicles) that are prohibited from using E15.
In addition, the EPA must implement a public education campaign concerning the risks associated with the improper use of E15 fuel in certain vehicles, engines, and equipment.
As always, be mindful of what you are putting in your bike and be aware that warranties may be voided if you use incorrect fuel.
Meeting of the Minds
Next week we will not have a weekly update, as we will be in Indianapolis for the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds. Fred Harrell, Director of Conferences and Events has put together a jam-packed program with workshops, speakers, auctions and even catered meals!
If you will be in Indy next week make sure to come up and say 'hi'. If you can’t make it, don’t worry, the next weekly update will include lots of pictures of the event. And who knows, maybe we will include some juicy gossip, about who went a little crazy at the auction and decided they needed to outbid MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard for a must have item!
Ride Free