that can intelligently compose a letter, sample that many of the members can can revise / revamp and forward to their own us representatives and us senators. I personally don't know enough information to do so - I am NOT an importer - NOT a dealer, just an owner.... so I would appreciate some assistance in this effort.... I had asked this previously but I think it got lost on a larger thread. So, if this is inappropriate to ask I appologize, I just think those more knowledgeable on the subject could post a sample type correspondance, each could personalize it and send to every US Congressman. as well as state officials. Thanks in advance Bev
Its not so hard to do Bev, Congratulations on your purchase. Depending on what State you live in : You can usually do a INTERNET search - start with your States Name - then add the word Government. Try also your local phone book - they usually have a "Government listings section" - get the names and addresses of your State Senator/s and Congressmen/women. One tip first - DON'T be angry or confrontational in your content. Express your reasons why you enjoy the uses of your new vehicle. Don't single out or attack any "Agency" - just be informative as to why you think any person should be able to safely own and operate this type vehicle. Some facts you may want to consider while composing your letters (written letters carry more weight) - 1) Mini Trucks use less fuel than standard converted full or mid-size trucks. 2) Mini truck importation and sales are actually creating jobs and businesses that pay local , state and federal taxes. 3) Remind those Elected Officials - that you and your family members Vote - don't get stuck on "Bashing" any Political Group - stick to positive comments and issues. There is allot more you can say - but for now - thats a start. Now you could also get all your family members and friends to do the same thing. Also when you email friends and family , include a link to www.minitrucktalk.com in those emails. Even if they don't own one they then can help make other aware of the availability of such a economical vehicle. If you need any more help - just reply here and I am sure someone will respond. Remember - only state facts and your feelings , not rumors or accusations - many in the Political World are barely aware of some issues so do assume your Reps are against or for any issue. P.S. - I know I am long winded - always nice at the end of your letter to - "Thank You for reading My letter!" Good Luck Bullitt
EPA Imports MY 2 Cents worth, I am an importer of Kei trucks in Montana and I have been following all the posts about what the EPA is doing. I will give a little background, as it might help you to understand just what is happing. I am a geologist and am hold Certifications from the EPA and have worked with them and they are the typical officious government agency, who will not pay a lot of attention to congressman unless they have direct control on their budget. I have first hand experience on a issue just like this, In what seems to be a different life, in the 1980 I was an international arms dealer and importer of firearms and machine gun parts into the United States, Back then the Bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms wanted to ban machine gun parts from the US market, They had two ways to accomplish this change in US law without having congress pass new legislation, Either they could make a letter ruling and publish it in the federal register, which is what the EPA is doing in this case, or they can try to change the law by finding an imported and charging him with a crime and gain a conviction and then set a present and thereby change the law. The BATF choose the latter way and they sent a agent who lied before a grand jury and they indicted me with one conspiracy and 43 counts abetting the manufacture of machine guns by selling parts to people who I never meet or spoke with. I filed an suit against the Government, this suit is what is called a “DEC Action” ( Declaratory action), this is where a federal judge looks at the proposed changes ( interpreting) that the government agency is making and determines if this way conforms with the intent of congress when it made the law. The Federal Judge can make a call on if it is correct or overreaching. This legal action does not cost a lot, about $5,000 to $10,000 on this issue of the EPA standards. However it does not stop a criminal prosecution, The BATF cost me $450,000, months of time wasted, and my entire business just to stay out of jail, the six weeks trail ended in 3 days when the BATF gave up, offered me a deal and I have to withdraw my Dec action. I returned to college and pick up a degree another degree in Pre law and for the last 14 years I have been working part time in the legal field. I have read all 348 pages of the proposed federal regs and think it can be challenged. I think you are on the right track in getting people together and this is what I would proposed; 1) start a non profit 501( c ) and get every one to join and donate, it will be tax deductible, if only a small portion of the members here kick in $10-20 and write letters and call the right people, a lot can be done. 2) hire a attorney and get a fixed price for a Declaratory Action, a Washington DC lawyer will bleed you dry and ask for more, I know, I work with them every day. I do not know this guy, he may be different, but he will most likely put his kids through college on this if you let him. 3) Put pressure on the right congressional reps and senators, the ones with the budget control, the EPA is big enough and powerful enough to ignore the rest. 4) If you can not change this then, this Non Profit should buy testing equipment, ship it to Japan and then do certification of the trucks in Japan, this could be a mobile unit, if we all got together the price would be very little per truck, this would beat them at their own game. Do not kid your self this is a way to put about 90% of out of business and mark my words, if you do not challenge this over reaching EPA action, that one of you is going to be charged after these regulations goes into effect and fined $32,500 per day and facing 18 USC 001 which is 5 years for making a false statement to the EPA. The way I see it and read it , the EPA by taking the step and trying to make a used vehicle “new” is very much over reaching and they would have a hard time convincing a Federal Judge that a 1997 Honda is and should be considered a 2008 for testing purposes, that is not what the intent of the original law passed by congress says.
That's some great info, now we just need to determine a way to put it to use. As in who would be the figure head to handle the DEC process you described, because if it's only 10K, that's not to bad. As a group we should be able to come up with 10K no problem, but determining who will be the one to handle this declaration process and have control of the 10K is the difficult part.
