The Bonneville Salt Flats Are Being Destroyed

[PatS....]

URGENT SEMA ACTION NETWORK ALERT

The Bonneville Salt Flats Are Being Destroyed – Help Save the Salt!

The history of the Bonneville Salt Flats is well known. Since 1914, racers have gone to Utah to set land speed records and achieve personal best times. In addition to its professional racing programs, Bonneville remains at the heart of every racer’s dreams. For decades, the Salt Flats have decreased in size, strength and thickness because salt has been removed by an adjoining potash mining operation.

Preservation of the Salt Flats is under the authority of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM has conducted multiple studies to confirm that salt is being removed and not adequately replaced by the mining operation. However, the BLM has failed to stop the destruction and institute a permanent solution. Originally 96,000 acres in size, the Salt Flats are now about 30,000 acres. The BLM is “studying” the problem -- again -- and set to issue an “environmental assessment.” The assessment must call for a permanent salt replenishment program.

We Urge You to Contact BLM Director Robert Abbey and Demand That He Protect the Bonneville Salt Flats.

• The Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) is central to the history of motorsports. Scores of world land speed records have been set on the Flats. The area is a “National Landmark” and an “Area of Critical Environmental Concern.” The BLM is responsible for protecting lands that have these two designations.
  
• We are seeking an assurance from the BLM that the upcoming Environmental Assessment will require the mining operator to implement a permanent salt replenishment program, that will require that salt be replenished with the same or more salt than is removed from the mining operation.
  
• The salt must be of the same or better quality, and the replenishment program must occur over a period of many months so the salt is dispensed throughout the BSF basin and the underground aquifer is replenished.
  
• No salt should be removed from the BSF region for commercial sale.
  
• The program must be permanent and verifiable.
  

DON’T DELAY! Please contact the Bureau of Land Management Director (contact information below) to urge a permanent solution for protecting the Bonneville Salt Flats! Please e-mail a copy of your letters to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org

The Honorable Robert Abbey

Director, Bureau of Land Management

U.S. Department of the Interior

e-mail: director@blm.gov

fax: 202-208-5242

[Captain Neon]

I thought that there was a ban on politics on this forum.

[Plymouthy Adams]

is this really politics or preservation of nature..to further promote the interest of this hobby..

[Don Coatney]

This is nothing new. When I raced on the salt in 1969 everyone said the flats would be gone in 10 years.

[Captain Neon]

If it involves contacting a government agency, then it is politics.

Besides, this is also a fundraising ploy. Scare people that something important to them may not be the way they think it should be, send a letter to your Congressman, and then remind several times who made you aware of this vitally important information.

Edited July 23, 2011 by Captain Neon

[Plymouthy Adams]

I guess then when we discuss titling of vehicles and discussing YOM tags we are our of order as they also involve government entities...every thing in measure and always with a grain of salt.

[Don Coatney]

...every thing in measure and always with a grain of salt.

Correct measure would be a pinch of salt:cool:

[PatS....]

I thought that there was a ban on politics on this forum.

My apologies.

If this is a banned post, I would hope Gerald will delete or lock the thread.

[48Dodger]

Utah Salt Flats Racing Association used to be a club designed to help save the salt. They grew to hold their own races and use the bulk of the money to "save the salt". A cause, not a political deal in my opinion.

48D (participant of World Of Speed)

USFRA website: http://www.saltflats.com/

STS website: http://www.saltflats.com/save%20the%20salt.html

[Captain Neon]

Utah Salt Flats Racing Association used to be a club designed to help save the salt. They grew to hold their own races and use the bulk of the money to "save the salt". A cause, not a political deal in my opinion.

48D (participant of World Of Speed)

USFRA website: http://www.saltflats.com/

STS website: http://www.saltflats.com/save%20the%20salt.html

Does this group raise money to buy acreage in the Bonneville Salt Flats or do they use their money to convince politicians and bureaucrats? If the former, they are a non-political cause; if the latter, they are political. That is where I see the difference.

Assisting members in navigating the process of registering a vehicle is not political, as we are not trying to change the rules, but rather explaining how they work and what things one might do to lessen the head aches of acquiring title to their cars. If we were telling people to write their state legislators or other political officer to make changes in the law or even suggesting such absurdities as a national vehicle register, then that would be political.

That's my $0.02 on why this is political and assisting members in getting their cars titled is not.

[hkestes41]

In my opinion the forum ban on politics is geared more towards Republican vs Democrat, Conservative vs Liberal, Obama sucks vs Bush was great kind of "debates".

A posting notifying forum members of some type of pending legislation or action with potential major impact to the automotive industry / hobby falls outside the political ban even if it contains a call to contact your Congressman.

If for instance some environmental group was able to convince enough members of Congress to put forth a rider in an EPA budget which would outlaw the operation of any motor vehicle not equiped with catalytic converter and smog pump would you not want to know about it? Would you not want to have someone post a notice to this impending legislation with a call to contact your Representative? I know I would.

[MacTexas]

Don't give the EPA any ideas.

[Captain Neon]

In my opinion the forum ban on politics is geared more towards Republican vs Democrat, Conservative vs Liberal, Obama sucks vs Bush was great kind of "debates".

A posting notifying forum members of some type of pending legislation or action with potential major impact to the automotive industry / hobby falls outside the political ban even if it contains a call to contact your Congressman.

If for instance some environmental group was able to convince enough members of Congress to put forth a rider in an EPA budget which would outlaw the operation of any motor vehicle not equiped with catalytic converter and smog pump would you not want to know about it? Would you not want to have someone post a notice to this impending legislation with a call to contact your Representative? I know I would.

I wouldn't want to know about it because, unfortunately, I know that the only way to convince any elected official to do any thing is via the increase or removal of campaign contributions. Asking nice or even threatening not to vote for a candidate does little good. For as long as I can remember, as a general rule, Elections are won by those with the deepest pockets. I don't vote, and I don't make political contributions, therefore any perceived threat by me will be ignored.

[48Dodger]

Hey now. You were the one who posted a thread reminding us to drive our old cars to work day.....

"Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

Read more: http://blogs.superstreetonline.com/6755532/miscellaneous/sema-secures-us-senate-resolution-designating-july-8th/index.html#ixzz1TsFLjKxt "

hmmmmm...is this political?

48D

[Plymouthy Adams]

Its really quite simple..if you think it is hobby related and wish to do something..follow the posted link/thread..if not..close the thread and open another subject matter for your entertainment..does not get any more simplier than this and nobody but nobody knows your views or politcal preference..and with apologies up front for those with sensitive toes, its MHO if you don't vote, you don't have bitching rights..

SEMA has done a lot to improve the enviroment for this hobby..and yes it does involve lobbying with politicians..thanks to them I can run blue dot lenses on my car in my state, which by the way means as I am registered in Georgia..every state traffic official has to abide by the Georgia rule should I be driving out of state..same as for YOM tag..

[Don Coatney]

I am registered in Georgia..every state traffic official has to abide by the Georgia rule should I be driving out of state..same as for YOM tag..

That is not true for everythingl. Motorcycle helmets are not required in Kentucky (and other states). But if you have a motorcycle registered in Kentucky it does not mean that you can ride sans helmet in Tennessee who does have a helmet law.

Are there any states left that do not have seat belt laws? My guess is not as any state who does not comply will not get federal funding. Boils down to the dollar.

[Captain Neon]

Hey now. You were the one who posted a thread reminding us to drive our old cars to work day.....

"Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

Read more: http://blogs.superstreetonline.com/6755532/miscellaneous/sema-secures-us-senate-resolution-designating-july-8th/index.html#ixzz1TsFLjKxt "

hmmmmm...is this political?

48D

Actually that one wasn't me. I refer to Earth Day as "Drive Your Old Car to Work Day," and that was my little wink and nod. I have friends in the Northwest that refer to it as "Barbecue a Spotted Owl Day."

I was actually unaware of SEMA's "Collector Car Appreciation Day" until it was posted here this year. I drive my P15 all the time, and don't need a special day to get it out of the shed. I wasn't even aware that SEMA had gotten a resolution through the Senate. Seems like a waste of time and resources to me to get a Senate resolution on trivialities.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Don..I give you that..always an exception..I personally think anyone who rides without a helmet has already suffered brain damage..but then that is just another of MHO's..I really wonder how much of that is mandated by the individual state's insurance commissioner...I figure I will soon get off my duff and put my bikes down at the end of the orchard by the main road with a for sale sign on them..the joy in riding has since since passed..

[Captain Neon]

its MHO if you don't vote, you don't have bitching rights..

.

With all due respect, Tim. I beg to differ. IMHO, those that do vote have no right to complain because they are complicit in choosing them and thus approve what they do. Voting for a candidate for office is giving one's personal stamp of approval and endorsement. By participating in the system, one is saying that it works fine and is acceptable. In any other venture, if the product is deemed unfit one can choose not to make use of it, and even complain that they don't like the product available.

Were the electoral system to change that we vote for whomever we like the least, and the candidate getting the least votes is the winner, I would vote again with vigour and enthusiasm. Isn't that what most people do any way? They don't like any of the candidates, but they vote against one of the candidates by voting for one of his opponents that they find least objectionable. We might as well make that the programme in fact rather than in practice.

I find the whole concept of voting for the least of two (or more) evils repugnant. I choose to voice my dissent by not voting. Write-in ballots aren't even counted unless the name written on the ballot has been spelled correctly and the candidate has filed as a write-in candidate. Is Bugs Bunny spelled with one g or two? Is they are an e between the last f and the y in Daffy Duck? I can never be sure.

[Plymouthy Adams]

not all voters are winners...and not all candiates are worth a vote..there are some elections where neither suits me and this I pull no levers..but I was at the polls and chose my options..yes at times it may appear to be a placebo..but its very hard to get well if you do not take your medication..

[48Dodger]

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=26784

Wasn't you? My apologies. Never saw a reference to Earth Day.

Oh, I'm a new member of SEMA along with my son. Wohoo. And we both vote.

As far as the salt goes, it seems the mining company keeps changing hands and its mining practices are not watched. Would be nice to keep the integrity of the race course.

48D

[Captain Neon]

not all voters are winners...and not all candiates are worth a vote..there are some elections where neither suits me and this I pull no levers..but I was at the polls and chose my options..yes at times it may appear to be a placebo..but its very hard to get well if you do not take your medication..

I haven't had a candidate worth pulling the lever for since 2006. Why go and stand in line if I am just going to throw my unmarked ballot in the box?

IMHO, if voting could change any thing, it would be made illegal.

[martybose]

I haven't had a candidate worth pulling the lever for since 2006. Why go and stand in line if I am just going to throw my unmarked ballot in the box?

IMHO, if voting could change any thing, it would be made illegal.

LOL!! Every time I read about anything that is being voted along party lines I get mad, because the politicians seem to have stronger ties to their party than to their constituents.

And they wonder why the Tea Party has gained traction!

Marty

[PatS....]

No need to call your Congressman...the deed is done. Sema does some good work for the old car hobbyist.

Street Rod and Custom Vehicle Bill Becomes Law in the Lone Star State

After an effort that stretched into two legislative sessions, SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles, including kit cars and replicas, and provide for special license plates was approved by the Texas State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry.

Slated to go into effect on September 1, 2011, the new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The law also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. In addition, the law only holds street rods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title of the vehicle and exempts them from emissions inspections. Certificates of title for replica vehicles will include the word 'replica'. "The bill was passed during this session because of the hard work of all Texas automotive enthusiasts and will help us with a simple and uniform method to title and register the cars built in this state," explained Texas SAN member John Crisler, who worked diligently to support the measure.

Texas joins California (2001), Illinois (2002), Missouri (2004), Rhode Island (2004), Hawaii (2004), Montana (2005), Maine (2005), Colorado (2006), Arkansas (2007), Virginia (2007), Nevada (2007) Florida (2007), Idaho (2008), Iowa (2008), Tennessee (2008), Wyoming (2009), Utah (2009), North Carolina (2009), Massachusetts (2010) and Washington state (2011) as states that have enacted similar bills into law.

The new law is the product of two legislative sessions. In 2009, identical legislation that was approved in committee did not receive a vote by the full Texas House of Representatives before the legislators adjourned for the year.

"After the disappointment we experienced in 2009, it is extremely gratifying that the Texas legislature was ultimately persuaded to enact legislation recognizing the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist cars," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "For the hundreds of vehicle enthusiasts in Texas that supported this bill, building, maintaining and enjoying these unique creations is a favorite pastime. This law represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations." The model bill will continue to be pursued by SEMA in states that either don't have registration classifications for these vehicles or have laws that are lacking in some way. SEMA efforts are ongoing this year to work with the state legislatures in New York and New Jersey on this initiative and to add others to that list in the coming legislative sessions.