Oregon governor Theodore Kulongoski with Oregon native Les Schwab, a tire dealer that probably wouldn't have liked the governor's plan, if he were still alive.
Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski is pushing for the passage of a state bill that would effectively ban aftermarket parts for automobiles. Among other provisions, House Bill 2186 contains this frightening passage:
Restrictions and prohibitions on the sale and distribution of after-market motor vehicle
parts, including but not limited to tires, if alternatives are available that decrease
greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles;
Yes, you read that correctly. The Oregon governor actually thinks he can tackle global warming by outlawing that new set of PS2s you're had your eyes on. Guess he's jealous of all the attention Schwarzenegger was getting for California's big CO2 plan.
SEMA has conveniently collected all the names and email addresses of the legislators involved, so if you live in Oregon, or just want to pretend like you do, feel free to drop them a letter with your opinion on the matter. We know what we're going to say.
billt9 says:
05:39 PM, 02/ 6/09
Did he just propose people be stuck with OEM tires that go bald in 15,000-25,000 miles?
heeltoe says:
05:43 PM, 02/ 6/09
Yet another reason to never live in Oregon. Right along with the fact you can't pump your own gas, interstate speed limit of 65 in the middle of nowhere and the University of Oregon Ducks.
canusa says:
06:37 PM, 02/ 6/09
Hate to do this, but after a lot of searching of the oregon gov't sites - I can't even find a transcript of this bill to verify what is being claimed.
Before I act on something that is only referenced through autoblog - someone - anyone - provide a link to the actual proposed legislation.
Nothing I have seen form Oregon DEQ even references this, so I have uninformed from the state and uncorroborated from a website.
What is a poor critical analyst to do??
billt9 says:
06:51 PM, 02/ 6/09
canusa,
Your googling skills are subpar. We already know it's bill 2186 from this post. So google "H.B. 2186".
http://landru.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measures/hb2100.dir/hb2186.intro.html
The first thing you should do when you are researching something not in your profession is to go to
http://www.google.com
and type in whatever that thing is. It will pop up often as the first link, including this case.
stovt001 says:
12:11 PM, 02/ 7/09
Wow, this actually makes me feel better about living in California. Way to go Oregon, you show California that you can be way more idiotic than us.
greenpony says:
09:36 PM, 02/ 7/09
Why not outlaw driving with your windows down or your a/c on, which increases fuel use by much more than any aftermarket tires could. He should legislate that people need to lower their cars too, because it might incrementally increase fuel economy. Aero spoilers and body kits should be mandatory, as long as they decrease your Cd.
Give me a break.
estreka says:
01:41 AM, 02/ 8/09
Dumb. Is he coming up for reelection?
jederino says:
03:27 PM, 02/ 9/09
I think these lawmakers have just shown they are unfit to lead in a free market republic.
desmolicious says:
04:09 PM, 02/ 9/09
Why is Don Rumsfeld standing next to Les?
kurtamaxxxguy says:
10:33 AM, 02/11/09
This is an actual response from my local Oregon representative. Oregon is more sensible than some car folks give credit for:
"Thank you for your email.
HB 2186 is part of a package of legislation that seeks to reduce the
amount of greenhouse gases we produce as a state. I am committed to
helping us fight climate change and hope that any solutions we come to
during the legislative session will be in addition to a national and
international effort.
That having been said, I do not support unnecessary restrictions on
aftermarket parts. It is my understanding that the Department of
Environmental will be meeting with the Specialty Equipment Market
Association to address the concerns of car owners.
If these restrictions on aftermarket parts are not removed from the
bill, I will not support it.
By the way, I have a white and gold 1957 Plymouth Belvedere and just
sold my 1964 Volkswagen Beetle last year.
Thanks again for your email and please feel free to contact me again on
this or any other issue."