In May, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of the Trump Administration’s executive order regarding efficiency and deregulation. Within the framework of the request, the MRF submitted comments on rules instituted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and fuel economy standards.
As you may remember, the attack on the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is occurring in three ways. First through emissions regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, second through the power of the California Air Resources Board and finally through increased fuel economy standards issued by NHSTA. Our comments in this submission related only to NHTSA’s new fuel standards as that is where the DOT’s jurisdiction exists.
We highlighted four concerns the MRF has with the new fuel economy standards which would threaten the Internal Combustion Engine, in an attempt to promote more electric vehicles.
- Reduced availability of affordable support technologies and fuels for motorcycle riders
- Distorted market dynamics and limited consumer choice
- Decreased relevance and impact of the aftermarket parts industry
- Rural motorcyclists will be disproportionately impacted due to insufficient infrastructure
We also offered three actions the DOT could take.
- Repeal or rollback of the 53.5 mpg target
- Consideration of non-EV pathways to efficiency that respect consumer diversity
- Protections for ICE technology development that support the motorcycling community
These comments are another example of how the MRF is fighting to protect your rights and freedoms in a variety of different ways. No matter where the fight is, the MRF will be there. Stay vigilant.
CLICK HERE TO READ MRF LETTER TO DOT
Join The MRF — visit website http://mrf.org
