EPA

Call To Action! S. 3094 (CARS Act)

Call To Action — U.S. Senate Bill S. 3094 Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule on tailpipe emissions. The plan calls for greenhouse gas emissions limits for the 2027 through 2032 model years for passenger vehicles. The original plan would have required 67% of new light-duty car and truck sales to be electric by 2032. After pushback from numerous groups, hybrids became included in the calculations and targets were slightly lowered. Nevertheless, over 50% of cars for sale in less than a decade, will need to be electric. Last year the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act with bipartisan support. The vote was 221-197. The bill prevents the EPA from enacting these rules, thereby protecting the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Unfortunately, the Senate refuses to act. Only 37 U.S Senators are currently supporting the companion bill, S. 3094. If you care about preserving the Internal Combustion Engine, now is the time to act. Tell your Senators to push back against the mandate for electric vehicles. Click the Call To Action button below! Add your voice to those that want to defend our lifestyle. There is speculation that new bills will be introduced to protect the Internal Combustion Engine but we must keep up the pressure! If bikers do not stand up now, will they hear us later? !!Call To Action!! Join The MRF — The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated […]

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Friday From DC – E15 Changes In The Midwest

E15 Changes In The Midwest Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a policy change related to gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15). In 2025 this new policy will allow gas stations in eight Midwestern states to sell E15 fuel year-round. Current policy prohibits E15 sales between June 1st and September 15th because of concerns that it adds to smog on hot days. In 2022 and 2023 the EPA announced emergency waivers that allowed for summertime E15 sales, citing market disruptions, including the war in Ukraine. This move by the EPA will make those temporary changes permanent in the selected eight states. The rule, which takes effect in April 2025, will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. This decision comes after governors and farm groups in these eight states requested that the federal government change this policy. This modification is a prime opportunity to remind everyone to be mindful of the fuel that you use. Verify that the fuel you are using in your bike is compatible with manufacturers’ guidelines. Stay vigilant as these changes take effect over the next year! Ride Safe and Ride FreeJoin The MRFClick here http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983

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Send a Letter to EPA Opposing California’s ICE Ban

Final Call: Oppose California’s ICE Ban The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) “Advanced Clean Cars II” (ACC II) regulations ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs, and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV – eliminating the sale of any new vehicles that are gas-powered. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its regulation to take effect. SEMA opposes ACC II because seventeen states, representing nearly 40% of the American population, have previously adopted California motor vehicle emission laws. To date, nine states and the District of Columbia have already adopted ACC II; three states have adopted ACC II through 2032, which requires 87% of new motor vehicle sales to be ZEV; and two states have started the regulatory process to adopt ACC II CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

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EPA Accepting Comments Concerning California’s ICE Ban

EPA Accepting Comments Concerning California’s ICE Ban—Send Your Concerns Now The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) “Advanced Clean Cars II” (ACC II) regulations ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs, and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV – eliminating the sale of any new vehicles that are gas-powered. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its regulation to take effect. The SAN opposes ACC II because seventeen states, representing nearly 40% of the American population, have previously adopted California motor vehicle emission laws. To date, nine states and the District of Columbia have already adopted ACC II; three states have adopted ACC II through 2032, which requires 87% of new motor vehicle sales to be ZEV; and two states have started the regulatory process to adopt ACC II. Learn More and Send an email to your officials with one click! Visit https://p2a.co/bz7dbpm * * *

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Harley-Davidson X 500 model specs for USA

Qianjiang-Produced Harley-Davidson X 500 is expected to be available in USA from 2024. US-specific owners manual has been published by Harley-Daivdson. The X 500 was announced for the Chinese market in April, and later for Australia and New Zealand, but the newly published owner’s manual assures a U.S. launch. There are distinct changes compared to the 2023 owner’s manual, adding information specific to the American market such as a U.S. vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual’s VIN breakdown specifically details the codes for models manufactured by Qianjiang in China for export to the United States. Warranty information and a clause marked as “Other Limitations” included six items in 2023 manual but for year 2024 manual there is an addition of a seventh item. This addition states United States customers are not allowed particular modifications that are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. A definition of tampering with noise control or exhaust emissions control systems is mentioned. These were absent for the manual meant for Chinese market. X 500 is the second model to be produced under the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang, following the X 350. The smaller engine model was not intended for US market as per Q1 2023 report, though X350RA variant to be used by Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. It is expected the people and dealerships (and media) will react fast & furiously to a Made-in-China Harley-Davidson being sold in USA. We can expect the same liquid-cooled 500cc Parallel-Twin engine, claiming 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm. The claimed wet weight remains 456 pounds, and the fuel economy is unchanged, still claiming 49 mpg. Valve inspections are scheduled for every 15,500 miles. Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter 2024 Harley-Davidson X 500

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Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is EPA Certified for US

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified a new Royal Enfield model branded as Shotgun 650 for year 2024. This confirms the production version of the SG650 bobber concept will be coming to America. Royal Enfield presented the SG650 Twin concept at EICMA way back in 2021. Based on the platform that brought us the Continental GT and Interceptor 650, this concept motorcycle combined retro styling with a future-forward silver and blue livery. Since that unveiling, Royal Enfield introduced the more classically-styled Super Meteor 650 which used a similar chassis. Development of the bobber version will continue and give us a new model to be called ‘Shotgun 650’. SG650 concept is a single seat, with mid footpeg placement, handlebars positioned lower and further forward compared to the Super Meteor.The production model may look similar to the concept bike. Its headlight cowl incorporates Royal Enfield’s familiar combination of a round instrument cluster and smaller Tripper navigation display. It is expected that Royal Enfield will officially debut the production version of Shotgun 650 at EICMA, where it first showed off the concept version. * * * * * * * * * * * * Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, events & lot of fun. Click here & take a test ride.

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U.S. House Committee Passes Bill to Stop California’s ICE Vehicle Ban

U.S. House Committee Passes Bill to Stop California’s ICE Vehicle Ban Encourage support from lawmakers on this proposal: The U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee passed the SAN-supported Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act” (H.R. 1435). This bill seeks to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals. The “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act” prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with ICE in the state by 2035. The bill is essential to stopping California’s plan to ban of new ICE vehicles. Send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the bill. H.R. 1435 awaits consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives. Lawmakers Must Hear from You Right Away! Use the following website link for an overview and lawmaker contact. ACT NOW BY CLICKING HERE * * * * * * * * * * * * Stay Free and Subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet.com — click & get one, its Free.

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EPA to Expand E15 Ethanol Fuel Sales into Summer

Following long-fought debate, the Biden Administration announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a temporary waiver to allow for the summertime sale of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E15) to help address high fuel costs. Currently, E15 cannot be sold between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. The agency will review the waiver every 20 days to determine if remaining in place is justified. Summertime sales of E15 has been a hot-button issue for years. The Biden Administration says this latest decision is based on its authority to pursue a temporary emergency action. Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and in certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 gasoline as a lack of clear labeling on gas pumps does not provide sufficient protection to guard against misfuelling. Join SEMA – visit Website at: https://www.semasan.com/ To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events … – simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

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Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021

This week Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) reintroduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2021. The bill, S. 2736, ensures that racing enthusiasts continue to have the ability to convert motor vehicles into vehicles used solely for competition. This bill also clarifies that it is legal under federal law to manufacture, sell, distribute, and install race parts that modify the emissions system of a motor vehicle that is used solely for racing. The bill is in response to actions taken by the EPA in 2015. At that time, the EPA issued a proposed regulation that would prohibit the conversion of emissions-certified motor vehicles into vehicles used in motorsports competitions. The 2015 proposed regulation also prevented the sale or use of emissions-related race parts for those modified vehicles. An important component of S. 2736 is that it helps protect the aftermarket parts industry. A robust and thriving aftermarket parts industry is vital to the motorcyclist community. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is part of a broad collaboration of groups working together in D.C. on this topic. As you may remember, earlier this year the House of Representatives introduced a similar bill, H.R. 3281, that now has 101 cosponsors. To see if your member of the House is a cosponsor of the RPM Act, click here. If you’d like to read more about the Senate bill, click here. Look for further updates and calls to actions on this issue before the end of the year! See you in Atlanta! Next week is shaping up to be another great Meeting of the Minds! If you make it down to Atlanta, be sure to introduce yourself to our D.C. lobbyist, Rocky Fox. Rocky is always looking to

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EPA chief defends decision to pull out of Calif. mpg talks

Washington — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler defended the Trump administration’s decision to pull out of talks with California about new rules for gas mileage. Speaking to reporters Thursday at the Washington Auto Show, Wheeler said he is confident the Trump administration’s proposal to roll back stringent rules that would require automakers to produce fleets that average more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025 will hold up in court if it is successfully finalized later this year. “Our goal from the beginning was a 50-state solution,” he said. “I met with (the California Air Resources Board) three times since taking the helm of EPA last July. But despite our best efforts, we could not reach a solution and decided to end the discussions. We embrace federalism and the role of states, but federalism does not mean that one state can dictate the standards for the entire nation.” Asked what would happen if California proceeds with a lawsuit that has already been filed over the proposal to rule back mileage rules, Wheeler said: “We’ll go to court if they do that. I believe we’re on firm legal footing and I believe that our standards will be upheld by the courts.” The Trump administration announced last year its intention to ease stringent gas-mileage rules that would have required fleets averaging more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025. The administration proposed a freeze in the mandate after 2020, when their lineups must average 39 mpg. Automakers cheered the decision to reopen the so-called midterm review they were promised when the Obama-era gas mileage rules were agreed to in 2011. But they hoped the Trump administration would quickly reach an agreement with California on a new set of rules to prevent a lengthy legal battle that would leave the mpg

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