OFF THE WIRE
http://www.mic.org/news042810.cfm Contact: Motorcycle Industry Council Media Relations (949) 727-4211, ext. 3027
MIC to Testify Before Congress on CPSIA Amendments to Stop the Lead Ban
IRVINE, Calif., Apr. 28, 2010 - An executive from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) will testify at tomorrow's House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection regarding amendments to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the unintended consequences that have severely impacted youth riders of dirt bikes and ATVs and the motorcycle/ATV industry at large. Paul Vitrano, General Counsel of the MIC has been invited to provide testimony at the hearing, which takes place at 10AM EDT on April 29.
Vitrano will emphasize that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has acknowledged the ban will likely result in children 12 years of age and younger riding larger and faster adult-size vehicles, a known safety risk. For example, CPSC studies show almost 90% of youth injuries and fatalities occur on adult-size ATVs.
"The real risk to children comes from banning youth models, not from the lead in certain components," said Vitrano. "The CPSC's scientists acknowledge that the presence of lead in metal alloys in these youth models - needed for functionality, durability and other reasons that are safety critical to the components - does not present a health hazard to children."
Proposed legislation that could permanently stop the ban will be discussed at the hearing.
"The only permanent solution is a legislative solution," noted Vitrano. "I would like to thank the Subcommittee for taking this issue on, and the entire industry is excited that Congress is formally considering legislation to stop the ban for the benefit of the riders."
Vitrano concluded, "I will urge the Committee to provide as much clarity as possible in developing a legislative solution so that the CPSC is left with no doubt about Congress' intent to ensure the continued availability of youth model motorized recreational vehicles."
A live audio webcast of the hearing can be accessed at the House Energy and Commerce Committee website: http://energycommerce.house.gov/ .
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
