Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would permanently exempt motor vehicles used as race cars from regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, would exempt vehicles used solely for the purpose of competition from regulation under the Clean Air Act. These vehicles often are modified by competitive racers for exclusive track use.
In 2016, the EPA issued a proposed rule that was eventually withdrawn that would have regulated the emissions of racing vehicles.
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) sponsored the bill.
“Motorsports represent a vital part of our local economy and a key component of Pennsylvania’s rich automotive heritage and culture,” Keller said in a statement. “Our district is home to the Selinsgrove Speedway, Clinton County Motor Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, Beaver Springs Dragway, and thousands of racing fans—myself included. I am proud to sign onto the RPM Act as an original cosponsor to shield motorsports from unnecessary federal regulation and safeguard the future of this important American industry.”
After the proposed rule was announced in 2016, Pennsylvania racers and fans expressed concern over its impact on the state’s motorsports industry.