Hudson Cosponsors RPM Act

Press Release

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) has cosponsored the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021, or "RPM Act." This bill permanently blocks attempts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate modified motor vehicles used for racing. Rep. Hudson is an original cosponsor of the bill, which was introduced this month by Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10).

"The automotive and motorsports industries are a critical part of our community and economy," said Rep. Hudson. "I am proud to sponsor the RPM Act because car enthusiasts should not have their way of life threatened by the EPA and government bureaucrats."

Rep. Hudson, who represents the Charlotte Motor Speedway, has advocated for the RPM Act throughout his time in Congress and sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over commerce regulations and sections of the Clean Air Act.

Background from Bill Sponsor Rep. Patrick McHenry:

For decades, automotive enthusiasts have modified street vehicles into race cars used exclusively at closed race tracks. 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 the Clean Air Act. While the proposed EPA regulation was withdrawn in April of 2016, the RPM Act would make permanent that race cars are exempt from EPA regulation via the Clean Air Act.

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. Companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell products that improve race vehicle performance are a large and growing part of the economy.

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