Senate Joins House in Passing Bill to Exempt Youth ATVs and Dirtbikes from CPSIA's Lead Content Provisions

WASHINGTON--August 1, 2011: The U.S. Senate tonight quickly joined the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 2715, which amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) to categorically exclude youth ATVs and dirtbikes from the lead content provisions.

“For more than two years, the powersports industry and its riders have urged Congress to categorically exclude youth dirtbikes and ATVs from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions”

“For more than two years, the powersports industry and its riders have urged Congress to categorically exclude youth dirtbikes and ATVs from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions,” said Paul Vitrano, general counsel of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). “ATVs and dirtbikes do not present any lead-related health risk to young riders, and Congress has made it clear that it never intended the lead content restrictions and testing requirements for toys to apply to these vehicles. We are gratified that our community’s passion and perseverance have paid off and now both houses of Congress have passed the bill containing categorical exclusions in the same day.”

Once President Obama signs the bill, the ban on youth model vehicles finally will end.

“On behalf of riders everywhere, we thank the Senate for its quick action on H.R. 2715 to reverse the unintended ban on youth ATVs and motorcycles,” added Vitrano. “In particular, MIC and its members thank Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for her dedication and leadership in ensuring that youth powersports vehicles are available for our youngest riders to safely and responsibly enjoy with their families."

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. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment firms, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914.