The AMA Needs Your Voice
By: Jason Giacchino
On Dec. 1, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 3-1-1 to extend, by 60-days the date by which manufacturers of youth-model all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) must begin using accredited third-party laboratories to certify that ATVs meet the safety standards of section 232 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. The deadline was Nov. 26.
To view the Federal Register notice regarding the “Extension of the Date by Which Youth All-Terrain Vehicles Must Be Tested and Certified,” head to: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-30981.htm
The new deadline follows an industry petition for a 60-day extension because no such accredited labs exist to conduct these tests in order to comply with the new provisions. Even with the 60-day extension, the industry states that it will be unlikely enough labs will be online by the new January 25, 2011 deadline.
The vote that occurred on Dec. 1, 2010, considered only the 60-day extension. However, along with the request for a 60-day extension, the industry is seeking “other forms of relief”, such as a one-year stay of enforcement until November 27, 2011. The CPSC invites comments now until December 30, 2010, on the one-year stay.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) applaud the CPSC for considering this vote to extend the stay. By extending the stay for ATVS, the CPSC provides more time for all vehicle manufacturers, including U.S. businesses, to conform to new safety standards.
The riding community needs to let the CPSC know that we want the one-year stay. The AMA and the ATVA need your help to let the Chairman and Commissioners of the CPSC know how we feel. Riders should send comments to the CPSC and urge them to support the one-year stay of enforcement until November 27, 2011.
You can contact the CPSC at the address below and entering your information. The AMA and ATVA have provided sample language (below) to copy and paste in section two.
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480bb287d
Sample language to copy/paste:
Mr. Todd Stevenson
Office of the Secretary
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Room 820
Bethesda, MD 20814
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Re: Docket No. CPSC-2010-0115-Third Party Testing and Certification of Youth All Terrain Vehicles: Request for Stay of Enforcement and Other Relief
Dear Mr. Stevenson:
I am writing to submit comments to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) regarding third party testing and certification of youth all-terrain vehicles: Request for stay of enforcement and other relief.
As you know, on Dec. 1, 2010, the CPSC voted 3-1-1 to extend, by 60 days, the date by which manufacturers of youth-model all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) must begin using accredited third-party laboratories. These laboratories certify that these ATVs meet the safety standards (section 232) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. The deadline was Nov. 26.
The new deadline follows an industry petition for a 60-day extension because no such accredited labs exist to conduct these tests to comply with the new provisions. Even with the 60-day extension, the industry states that it will be unlikely enough labs will be online by the new January 25, 2011 deadline.
The vote that occurred on Dec. 1, 2010, considered only the 60-day extension. However, along with the request for a 60-day extension, the industry is seeking “other forms of relief”, such as a one-year stay of enforcement until November 27, 2011.
I strongly recommend the CPSC extend the stay of enforcement until November 27, 2011. I understand the American Motorcyclist Association and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association supports the extension of the stay of enforcement. By extending the stay for ATVs, the CPSC provides more time for all youth-model ATV manufacturers, including those in the U.S., to conform to new safety regulations.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
-Your Name Here
For more ways you can help to exempt youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA or for more information about the issue:
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/news/story.asp?id=629&s=banner
Please write the CPSC today and urge them to support a one-year stay of enforcement until November 27, 2011.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
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