The EPA announced April 15 it would withdraw language requiring that certified motor vehicles, engines and emission control devices remain in their certified configuration, even if altered vehicles were used exclusively for competition or nonroad purposes.
Morrisey recognized that proposal, had it been implemented, would have dealt a significant blow to stock car and drag racing in West Virginia, in addition to jeopardizing the countless jobs and local economics that benefit from the pastime’s success.
“I’m pleased the EPA heard our voice and put the brakes on this disastrous proposal,” Morrisey said in a statement. “Auto racing is woven into the fabric of our nation, but so too is the rule of law.
"This turnaround gives merit to our vigorous fight against executive overreach, whether that be efforts to protect coal mining, farming or in this instance auto racing.”
Morrisey signed the letter with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the AGs of six other states. Together, the coalition’s effort protected manufacturers, retailers and technicians whose products would have been illegal to make, sell or install across the nation.
The letter also eliminates the proposal’s potential impact at facilities throughout West Virginia, including the Kanawha Valley Motorsports Park in Mason County, sport car racing in Mineral County and stock car tracks in Cabell, Greenbrier, Jefferson, Jackson, Mercer, Mineral, Randolph, Ritchie, Tyler and Wood counties.
Morrisey further contends the EPA’s about-face represents a victory against executive overreach. The coalition’s letter cited congressional testimony in arguing lawmakers passed the Clean Air Act of 1970 to deal with automobiles intended for everyday, on-road usage – not racing vehicles.
West Virginia and Ohio signed the letter with Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan and Nevada.
