Armstrong Supports the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act

Press Release

Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) recently co-sponsored the bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act or "RPM Act", which permanently blocks attempts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate modified motor vehicles used for racing.

For decades, automotive enthusiasts have modified street vehicles into racecars used exclusively at closed racetracks. In early 2016, the EPA issued a proposed rule that would make it illegal for this practice to continue via the Clean Air Act even though Congress never intended for race cars to be subject to it. While the proposed EPA regulation was withdrawn in April of 2016, the RPM Act would make permanent that race cars are exempt from EPA regulation via the Clean Air Act.

"Many North Dakotans enjoy racing as a pastime, and for some, it is their livelihood," said Congressman Armstrong. "I support the RPM Act so we can ensure enthusiasts of the sport in North Dakota and across the country are able to continue modifying stock vehicles for competitive racing."

Background

The Clean Air Act authorizes the EPA to regulate motor vehicles, but these regulations have never applied to race cars. In 1990, Congress affirmed this exemption when it authorized the EPA to regulate "non-road vehicles" and explicitly excluded any "vehicle used solely for competition" from the non-road definition. Despite the clear intent of Congress, the EPA's previously proposed rule attempts to amend the Clean Air Act. The RPM Act simply confirms that it would not be considered tampering to modify these vehicles for exclusive track use.

Converting a motor vehicle into a race car is a significant part of American automotive heritage with the practice having played a large role in the foundation of NASCAR. Additionally, the specialty automotive industry employs over one million Americans.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

Source