Would you believe it if I told you common sense prevailed in Washington?
Well, that’s what happened two weeks ago when the EPA finally backed down from its attempt to ban modified racing vehicles. Thanks to persistent and vocal opposition from myself, my colleagues and race car enthusiasts, the EPA dropped its foolish racing regulation.
Let me start from the beginning. Just recently, the EPA proposed a new regulation that would prohibit Americans from modifying vehicles to use them solely for racing and competition. These are vehicles that never see the public roads, and Congress made it painstakingly clear in 1990 that these vehicles are off-limits to regulation.
The EPA decided to ignore the law and tried to go after our racing industry. The proposed regulation would have outlawed a billion-dollar industry that is centered right here in the 8th District and has grown around folks converting road cars into race cars for professional and amateur races.
Rightfully so, the phone calls and emails began. I heard from constituents who were concerned that this rule would bring this popular hobby to a screeching halt. I heard from folks who said it would destroy the entire industry and businesses who manufacturer the parts and run the tracks. I was listening, and I immediately got to work and introduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act with one of my fellow colleagues from North Carolina, Patrick McHenry.
After introducing the legislation, I had a chance to question EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy during a hearing with the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Administrator McCarthy once testified last year that, “job loss is not a consequence of environmental rules.” I didn’t agree with her statement then, and I told her I didn’t agree with it now — especially when it came to this racing regulation.
After I read the regulation to her and her team of lawyers, the administrator admitted that the outcome of the EPA’s regulation did not match its intent. This was a small victory, but it raised more questions than it did answers.
Shortly after her testimony, I led a letter with my colleagues to the EPA asking for clarification. Three days later, after public pressure from countless folks out here in the real world, the EPA reversed its decision and dropped this proposal. This is a huge win for common sense, North Carolina jobs and the future of racing.
While I’m glad the EPA reversed this decision, there is still more work to be done. One thing the EPA didn’t do is give up on their belief that they can regulate competition vehicles under the Clean Air Act. That’s why I will continue to advocate for my legislation which would bring long-term certainty to this industry and to so many people in our community.
Like I promised when I found out about this ridiculous government overreach, we didn’t just sound the alarm on this — we stopped it.
Let me tell you, fighting against Washington’s pen pushers is frustrating. But every time I get frustrated dealing with these bureaucratic agencies, I just think about you and the 700,000 people I represent who are just as frustrated as me and who are counting on me to be your voice. That’s what keeps me going.
I’m committed to fighting on your behalf against an out-of-touch government. Regardless of the issue, this is just one way that I use my position to advocate for you and force government to work for all of us.
Rep. Richard Hudson, R-Concord, represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, which currently includes Anson County.