Idaho Congressman requests hearings on OHV ban

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has requested hearings on the ban of children’s off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles.

Congressman Simpson sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman to request hearings to explore the affects of certain mandates of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008.

“Unfortunately, retailers are currently unable to sell children’s OHVs and have removed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from their showroom floors to comply with the new lead standards. They are not being reimbursed for this loss,” Congressman Simpson wrote in his letter. “I supported the CPSIA when it passed in the House of Representatives, but this law has begun to overreach its stated intent and focus, which was to prevent children from ingesting lead contained in toys, jewelry and similar harmful items. In this light, an exemption for children’s OHVs would be prudent.”

Congressman Simpson went on to say that to outlaw the sale of children’s OHVs in the current economic climate is irresponsible. Additionally, the Idaho Congressman says that banning these vehicles could cause other safety issues.

“Children may be forced to use adult machines,” Congressman Simpson writes. “Old machines needing repair will not be upgraded with new parts, because retailers cannot sell or install parts that contain lead.”

As expected, OHV groups are pleased with Congressman Simpson’s actions.

“This is welcome news, and we sincerely hope Chairman Waxman will grant Congressman Simpson’s request,” says Don Amador, the BlueRibbon Coalition’s western representative.

To see a copy of Congressman Simpson’s letter, click here.