Last week, we looked at the American Motorcycle Association’s (AMA) attempts to combat CPSIA regulation. The AMA created a video contest to show the consequences of the lead law and how it would destroy the youth motorcycle industry, and last Friday they held their “Capitol Hill Climb” in Washington to rally in support of reform.
Numerous outlets are reporting that Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) has sponsoned an amendment, Senate Amendment 264, to exempt children’s off-highway vehicles (OHV) like dirt bikes and ATVs from CPSIA regulation. Co-sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), it would effectively match the U.S. House bill H.R. 412, the “Kids Just Want to Ride Act,” introduced by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.). The Senate’s amendment is to be attached to a small business reauthorization bill.
To be fair, the bill and amendment haven’t passed yet, but this is still a victory for the AMA. Despite its draconian implementation, the CPSIA was passed with the intention of protecting people, and unfortunately the range of its impact was not considered or understood. The AMA, representing both business and consumers, was able to make their point and have their desires met. This news means that the law can be changed, and that there is reason to hope.
I reiterate that the promotional products industry should do the same thing. We’re not alone: I recently sat in on a webinar from the American Apparel and Footwear Association that discussed not only how to work within the confines of CPSIA and Prop 65, but also what that industry is doing to better the situation. Between the AMA’s victory and the backlash against the CPSC’s website SaferProducts.gov, I think there’s real opportunity for change in the law. Who in our industry is going to take the reins and make it happen?
