Don't know if any one got any reply from anyone about the Youth ATV ban due to lead content but here's an exerpt from an email I just received:
you may be interested to know that the Chairman of the CPSC recently suspended enforcement of the new law as it pertains to all terrain vehicles (ATVs) designed and manufactured for children. The Chairman stated in his decision that banning children's ATVs due to lead content will only serve to endanger children more because the only alternative to child-sized ATVs are larger and more powerful adult-sized ATVs. I understand the Chairman's reasoning for making this determination, and you may be certain that I will keep your concerns in mind should relevant legislation be considered by the Senate.
I appreciate the opportunity to represent Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
Steve
Well the whole thing is a crock anyway, since the law itself is really supposed to target toys and ingestible items that contain lead. Unfortunately, children's powersport vehicles ( atv's dirtbikes ) etc get tossed into the mix. There isn't much you can do about it, considering they have a battery, which contains lead obviously, and metals used on the bikes contain trace amounts of lead in their structure. I don't think kids are going to be gnawing on the battery terminals.
I'm glad someone had enough sense to suspend this pertaining to these vehicles. Good laws are those that are interpreted properly, not enforced to the letter in instances such as this. Its a common sense issue. This was also killer for the dealerships, as they were stuck with tons of unsellable merchandise and unable to perform maintenance of any level on said banned vehicles.
How is the kid supposed to ride the ATV if he is licking/eating the paint on it? ;D I understand picking gum off the street and chewing it... [puke]
Here is the latest letter from the AMA:
Help needed to change law to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs Change the Law to Exclude Youth-Model Motorcycles and ATVs! Take Action!
Write your Representatives Today!
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to stay enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) that currently bans the sale of youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The stay, which extends through May 1, 2011, follows a unanimous vote by Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore. While we applaud the CPSC commissioners' vote to stay enforcement of the law, this does not solve the real issue, which is the law itself. Despite the stay, it is unclear whether state attorneys general will also decline to enforce the CPSIA. The sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is still technically illegal. Even though a stay means that dealers would not be subject to fines or penalties imposed by the CPSC, state attorneys general would still be able to prosecute violators if they chose to do so. Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen.
Motorcyclists and ATV riders need to let Congress know that we are concerned about the law, and that we want youth-model OHVs excluded from the law. We need your help to let our lawmakers know how we feel. Riders should contact their Representatives and ask them to support H.R. 1587, introduced by Rep. Denny Rehberg, to exempt youth-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA.
You can find contact information for your elected officials on AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and enter your zip code in the "Find your Officials" box. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your Representative immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information.
For more ways you can help to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA or for more information about the issue, click here. Please write or call your Representative today and ask them to support H.R. 1587 to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA lead content requirements.
Thanks for helping!
Steve