Attorney General Laxalt Protects Nevada’s Economy by Challenging EPA Rule on Competitive Racing Vehicles


April 4, 2016

Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt, together with seven other attorneys general, sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the agency to remove language from a proposed rule that creates regulations for competitive racing vehicles not driven on public streets. In the past, these vehicles were never regulated by the Clean Air Act. However, the EPA’s new regulations would now apply to activities such as National Hot Rod Association racing, drag racing, autocross and Le Mans Series racing, and would outlaw many of the products made, sold and installed by manufacturers, retailers and technicians in Nevada.

    The letter details concerns over the EPA’s proposed requirement that certified motor vehicles, engines and emission control devices remain in their factory-certified configuration. The rule would now apply to vehicles used exclusively for competition and non-road purposes. The letter shows how Congress never intended to regulate competitive racing vehicles when passing the Clean Air Act in 1970.

      “In Nevada, Sparks is home to one of the three stores of the world’s largest retailer of performance racing parts, and in 2014, consumers spent a total of $36 billion nationwide on automotive specialty equipment parts and accessories,” said Laxalt. “This is yet another example of an unaccountable federal agency in Washington, D.C., passing regulations never intended by Congress. I will continue to fight this Administration’s relentless attack on Nevada’s businesses and economy.”

        In addition to Nevada, other attorneys general who have signed onto the letter include: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

          To view the signed letter, click here.

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