Brent:
You may remember speaking with me in my home garage when you were out stumping before this last election – I am the OTLA member from Clackamas (Diamond Court)who drag races.
I am writing to make sure that you are aware of HB 2186, currently pending in the House Environment and Water Committee. This legislation ostensibly is directed at limiting greenhouse gases. It includes a provision (see Section 3(d)) that would restrict or prohibit “the sale and distribution of after-market motor vehicle parts …”. Intended or not, Brent, the practical effect of this bill, if it is enacted, would be to seriously interfere with our ability to race as – perhaps obviously – we use a lot of “after-market parts” in our race cars.
This section of the Bill is suspect for several reasons. First, I am unaware of any empirical bases supporting a conclusion or even a reasonable hypothesis that racing in Oregon gives rise to any kind of significant or even measureable greenhouse gases. I doubt, very strongly, that if objective and viable studies were even possible they would give rise to any straight-face contention that the emissions from auto racing in Oregon contributes to ozone damage, etc. Relatedly, I even more seriously doubt that what we do produces even one ten thousandth of one percent of the “pollution” that regular passenger automobiles produce. Absent some compelling and viable evidence to the contrary, this Bill thus reaches too far – way too far.
Let me also point out that this section of the Bill would serve to damage Oregon’s economy, and the country’s economy. There are dozens of fabrication shops in this state that build, repair and update race cars; using numerous “aftermarket parts” in the process. There are also many, many Oregon businesses that sell such parts as a major part of their business. And, there are hundreds if not thousands of mechanics who build, fix and/or upgrade these cars and their powertrains; again using these parts. Going one step further big-picture, if you will, there are several race tracks in this state that might well go out of business. Racing is, of course, a spectator sport. If there are no races then the fans do not spend their discretionary income attending races, referring to businesses such as motels, restaurants and the like whose income comes in part from race fans. In sum, this section of the Bill could very easily cause damage to the economy, including adding to our record unemployment.
It is my hope, Brent, that you will personally resist this section of this Bill. All of us recognize the environment as being a good and valid concern, but that does not mean that Salem should pass substantially over-inclusive laws that do not have an empirically substantiated foundation.
My schedule is plenty hectic, as you can imagine. Nonetheless, I want to be heard by the committee(s). Please let know if you have any interest in attending a committee meeting together.
Thank you for your time, Brent.
