Need a little help here.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the AMA’s Kids Just Want to Ride Program. What’s behind it is a new law called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Very simply, it’s a sweeping new law that strictly regulates lead content in products intended for kids under 12 years old. Not a bad idea. However, well after it was enacted in 2008, motorcycle manufactures and retailers realized that it applied to off highway vehicles (motorcycles and ATVs) that they produce for kids. All these OHVs contain lead components that by far exceed the new standards. Bottom line, after October 1, 2011 no off highway vehicles may be produced or sold if their intended use is for kids 12 and under. That includes dealer resale. I believe private sale will still be okay, but the supply will disappear pretty quickly.
The AMA and several other groups have been busting their butts to exempt OHVs from the legislation…to no avail. However, as I understand this from a letter I got from the AMA, a couple days ago a Republican Congressman (Denny Rehberg-Montana) proposed language in the upcoming Financial Services Appropriations Bill (i.e. a whole different bill) that would prevent the use of federal funds to enforce lead-content restrictions of CPSIA as to OHVs. That’s not to say it would eliminate the provision from CPSIA, only make it unenforceable by not funding enforcement; and all this presumably until further action can be take to eliminate OHVs from the legislation altogether.
What the AMA is looking for is support by members and supporters contacting each of our local congressional representatives to support and pass House Representative Rehberg’s proposed language in the Financial Services Appropriations Bill.
I know this seems all convoluted and goofy as hell…and the way it’s coming down definitely is. However,
CLICK HERE to see why this is important to us here on this board. Then click back and send the letter in via email.
The AMA has made it easy by composing the letter and facilitating your sending it to your congressman via email. Follow these steps.
>
Click HERE> Read, then click “Take Action” at the bottom of the blue box.
> Read, then insert your zip code and click “Take Action Now!”
> You may have to put your address in so your congressman can be identified.
> Choose “Email,” type your name, fill in the rest of the stuff and click “Send Message.”
> You’ll then be offered the opportunity to forward it to friends. Your call.
Thanks
Here’s the text of the letter:
I am writing as a constituent, and to express my concerns as an off-highway vehicle enthusiast.
I support Rep. Denny Rehberg’s language in the House fiscal year 2012 Financial Services Appropriations bill, which will prohibit the use of funds by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for the implementation and/or enforcement of section 101(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) as it relates to youth-model off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
Please share my concerns on the lead content requirements of the CPSIA and my support of Section 630 of the spending measure with your colleagues on the Appropriations Committee. These requirements have adversely created a severe and unwarranted disruption to my family’s ability to recreate together responsibly and safely.
On behalf of many friends and families who recreate together responsibly, I ask that you consider my views about the CPSIA and support the Rehberg language in the final fiscal year 2012 Financial Services Appropriations bill or the Omnibus Appropriations bill when it comes to a vote on the floor.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
