Senate Resolution No. 17
(By Senators Minard and Oliverio)
Requesting the Congress of the United States reexamine a federal
law which has seriously affected the sales of off-road
motorcycles and other recreational vehicles designed for
children.
Whereas, In an effort to protect the health and safety of
children from the excessive amounts of lead found in toys made in
China, the Congress of the United States enacted a law which banned
the sale of products from foreign counties aimed at children if
they contained more than 600 parts per million of lead; and
Whereas, Lead is found in steel and other metal alloys on the
frame, motor and multiple parts of off-road motorcycles and
recreational vehicles built for young riders; and
Whereas, While most motorcycles and recreational vehicles are
made overseas, there are tens of thousands of jobs attached to the
industry in the United States; and
Whereas, More than 13,000 power sports dealers sell products
in the United States, employing an estimated 124,000 people; and
Whereas, Industry estimates the retail market value for all
off-road motorcycles and other recreational vehicles in the United
States to be approximately $14 billion a year, including sales,
service, parts, accessories and payroll; and
Whereas, An industry trade publication estimates that the
value of inventory at United States dealers that can no longer be
sold probably exceeds $100 million and that the industry has
millions of dollars worth of parts now in production that cannot be
sold; and
Whereas, While every effort should be taken to protect the
health and safety of our young children, we should also consider
the effect such legislation will also have on an industry that is
unrelated to toys; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby requests the Congress of the United
States to reexamine a federal law which has seriously affected the
sales of off-road motorcycles and other recreational vehicles
designed for children; and, be it
Further Resolved, In this time of financial crisis, every
effort should be made to preserve every facet of our business
community in order to help preserve jobs and stabilize our economy;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to West Virginia's congressional
delegation.
Email
Webmaster | © 2024 West Virginia Legislature **
