Nationwide Riders Rights Issues
While the primary focus of ABATE of California are the laws and regulations within our state, we must also be aware of what laws and regulations are in play in all the states and at the Federal level. Successes in other states can help in our efforts to protect our rights and losses around the country can provide information for when we have to fight the same issue here in California.
New Tolls on Existing Interstate Highways
After nearly two decades of action at the federal level,the battle to toll existing interstates is now shifting to the states, thanks to the federal transportation bill passed last fall. The bill made changes to federal program for repair and maintenance of the interstate system. The program begins in 2016 and permits three states to begin implementing tolls on existing interstates. Click HERE for more info on the program.
Many organizations at the state and national level have formed to fight this program. Check out the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates for more info on fighting this toll.
Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act
In it's ongoing activity of over reaching regulation, the EPA included within an unrelated proposed regulation, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium and Heavy-Duty Engines Phase 2, a proposal to outlaw the conversion of street vehicles into race only vehicles. Under the Clean Air Act Congress never intended to regulate vehicles built for race only. The EPA is now trying to circumvent Congressional intent without proper statutory authority. They are trying to control auto racing and motorcycle racing will not be far behind.
Please join in supporting HR4715/S2659, concurrent bills to protect motorsports. Click HERE to join SEMA in reaching out to the Congress
The EPA is reviving the 4-Gallon Minimum Fuel Purchase Policy
The EPA is still subjecting motorcyclists to a 4-gallon minimum fuel purchase at Blender Pumps where bothe E-10 and E-15 are sold. Read HERE about the AMA call to action to contact your Senators and Congressmen to fight this progam which is potentially damaging and warranty voiding on your bike
REFUEL Act (H.R. 4673)
Introduced by Rep. David Loebsack (D-Iowa),the REFUEL Act will provide federal grants for the purchase and installation of equipment specifically for "dispensing fuel containing covered renewable or alternative energy". This is key to the expansion of the availibility of E!% fuel, gasoline with 15 % Ethanol content. Currently no motorcycle allowed in the U.S. is certified to operate on fuel containing more than 10% Ethanol. Use of E15 fuels may damage fuel systems or void manufacturer warranties. This bill violates the Agricultural Act of 2014 that prohibits special Ethanol blender pumps, and it may damage your fuel system or void your warranty. Contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to oppose this bill for these reasons.
Check with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) at www.mrf.org for more info.