ABATE of South Dakota

MRF News Releases:
Road America Update
Sensenbrenner Introduces Ethanol Legislation
United States Senator Frank Lautenberg to Retire

Road America Update

The agreement between Road America and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will terminate on April 13, 2013.
Until that time, they will accept new or renewed business in accordance with the existing contract.
After that date, they will continue to service all members but will not accept any new members.

Anyone who would like to continue a road service plan that includes motorcycles may want to investigate a program called Rider Rescue. You can find the program at riderrescue.com

Sensenbrenner Introduces Ethanol Legislation

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced HR 875, a bill that would require the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a thorough independent study of the effects of gasoline/ethanol blends above 10%. Currently the EPA is allowing the use of blends up to 15%.

Sensenbrenner had this to say, “There have been several tests and warnings highlighting E15’s harmful effects on engines and their components, but they have all been dismissed by the EPA. Therefore, we must force the EPA to stop the use of E15 fuel until the serious safety, durability, performance and environmental concerns have been addressed.”

The bill would halt the sale of E-15, the 15% blend, until the studies findings have been completed.

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has cautioned owners against using the blend.

At a recent hearing held by the US House Science Committee all witness’s agreed that more testing was needed into the effects of E-15 on internal combustion motors of all sizes.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation supports this legislation and strongly urges you contact your US Representative and ask them to cosponsor HR 875 as soon as possible. Its important to have a large number of cosponsors to pass this legislation.

You can reach the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121

United States Senator Frank Lautenberg to Retire

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has announced he will not seek re-election next year. Lautenberg has served five 6-year terms in the US Senate and at the age of 89 is the oldest member in the Senate.

Lautenberg has been a thorn in the side of motorcyclists for decades. He has been the chief champion of mandatory helmet laws serving in government today.

In 2005 he introduced an amendment that would have put mandatory helmet law in place for the entire country, trampling on the States rights. Due solely to the work of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and its members that amendment was defeated 68-29.

Lautenberg said; 'While I may not be seeking re-election, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term, and I'm going to keep fighting as hard as ever for the people of New Jersey in the US Senate'.

'This is not the end of anything, but rather the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey.'

Politicians are much like the end of March in the Midwest, as the old saying goes, 'it can go out like a lamb or out like a lion'. Many politicians spend there final days helping staff find new jobs, raising money to pay down any campaign debt they may have or simply just walk away. Others use there time to fight any last political fights or take on controversial issues that may have otherwise cost them tremendous political capital.

'While motorcycle helmet laws are not on his laundry list we would be naive to not remain vigilant with Lautenberg to insure that the freedoms of the American motorcyclists are kept in place,' said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.