Gaston Gazette - McHenry Says His Bill Kept EPA Off Race Tracks

News Article

By Kevin Ellis

Rep. Patrick McHenry says his bill helped score a victory for racing fans after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped proposed language from new vehicle emissions restrictions following concerns raised by auto racing.

McHenry introduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 or "RPM Act" last month to block what he called EPA attempts to regulate modified motor vehicles for racing. He says Congress still needs to pass the bill, although the environmental agency says it never intended to regulate race cars.

"The EPA's attempt to regulate amateur racers is misguided and unnecessary. Not only is racing a beloved pastime for countless Americans, it also employs millions including many here in western North Carolina," McHenry said in a statement released by his office. "While it's positive to see the EPA react to my legislation, the need for congressional action on the RPM Act remains. Passing the RPM Act into law is the only way to ensure this ill-advised, job-killing regulation is stopped for good."

The new standards limiting climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions from medium- and heavy-duty engines had included pollution controls on vehicles modified for racing. Both auto racers and members of Congress objected to the proposed language, saying that complying would negatively impact competition at the nation's tracks.

EPA clarified Friday that the proposed language was never intended to impact purpose-built race cars that compete in organized races at tracks. Rather, the agency was attempting to apply Clean Air Act regulations to street cars illegally modified to boost engine performance by reducing pollution controls.

Citing confusion over the proposed language, EPA elected to delete that section from the final emissions rules.

McHenry said he became aware of the legislation from Jason Snyder, a Gastonia resident who has built a business around helping drivers modify their cars for competition and offering track-side mechanical support.

Snyder, owner of JBD Customz, said he supports regulations that keep emission limits on vehicles meant for the road, but that they should not extend to the race track.

"When it comes to a vehicle used in racing sometimes you have to do emission modifications for performance gains," Snyder said.

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