Opposition to SB 435 from B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts

SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA,

Bill Gannon
Bikers of Lesser Tolerance
PO Box 690044, Quincy, MA 02269

July 4, 2010

RE: Senate Bill 435


Honorable Senator Pavley:


I am writing to you, personally, and in my capacity of Chapter Director of Bikers of Lesser Tolerance (B.O.L.T.) of Massachusetts.

B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts strongly opposes Senate Bill 435.

Motorcyclists from Massachusetts travel to California as tourists and/or on business. We do not want to be subjected to bad laws that we cannot comply with, and that would punish us for our choice of borrowed or rented motorcycle registered in California when exercising our fundamental and necessary right to travel freely.

I can assure that Massachusetts’ motorcyclists will consider alternative states to California as tourists should the insult of SB 435 become law. We prefer to spend our tourism dollars where we are respected.

Exhaust systems meeting the EPA’s Standards must be the manufacturers, wholesalers & retailers' responsibility to ensure compliance and stamp their product accordingly.

SB 435 wrongly puts that responsibility on unknowing consumers.

I am further insulted by the discriminatory element of SB 435.

Motorcycle riders will be penalized, but the noise from a traveling motorcycle lasts for a few seconds while passing by and then it is gone. Yet lawn mowers, jackhammers, snow blowers and other tools with louder decibel levels than a motorcycle last for more than an hour as said tools perform their tasks. However, I do not see any of those tools targeted for penalty by SB 435.

SB 435 sets bad precedence for other states to adopt similar faulty legislation.

California would be better served by drafting a resolution to the EPA in which the State suggests the EPA do a better job at enforcing existing federal laws in order to reduce the number of faulty exhaust systems introduced to the market. Said activism would keep the responsibility for federal standards on the manufacturers as it should be.

Thus, on behalf of B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts, and myself, I respectfully request that B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts be added to your published analysis of Opposition.

B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts is UNANIMOUSLY OPPOSED to your legislative petition and we ask you to withdraw Senate Bill 435.

Sincerely,
William E. Gannon II
Director
B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts