December 6, 2024 – Washington DC |
Friday, in a dramatic move, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced they would not be proceeding with proposed standards requiring half of all new motorcycles sold in the state be electric within the next decade. In a statement, CARB said, āThe proposed amendments to on-road motorcycles (ONMC) emission standards and test procedures and adoption of new provisions relating to ONMCs have been withdrawn.āThis is a major victory for those who believe consumers should be free to choose whatever engine type they want. This move to withdraw the proposed plan comes after two hearings, one in January and one in October on this topic were canceled. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased by CARB’s decision to withdraw its plan to mandate the sale of electric motorcycles. MRF President, Kirk āHardtailā Willard stated, āItās nice to see policymakers admit a mistake and withdraw a plan that was flawed from the outset.ā He also added a note of caution, āLetās remember CARB reserves the right to adjust, amend and resubmit similar plans like this in the future. We won a battle, but the war rages on. We must stay vigilant, in defense of the internal combustion engine.ā |