2010 Hummer H3 Begins Production
After months of waiting due to the sale of the brand, Hummer has restarted production of the H3 and H3T models. The 2010 model will include E85 flex fuel capability on the 5.3L V-8, and will have three new color choices. Pricing has increased slightly, with the H3T now starting at $30,915 and the H3 at $33,390.
Land Use Notes
SEMA Opposes Efforts To Ban Wheeling In Much Of Utah
More than one-sixth of the state of Utah would be off-limits to any form of motorized recreation if Congress approves H.R. 1925, "America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2009." SEMA submitted testimony to the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands in opposition to the bill to designate 9.4 million acres of land in Utah as "wilderness," a label which bans mechanized activities, including off-roading, snowmobiling, and mountain biking.
The issue is of keen interest to off-roaders and the SEMA-member companies that market off-road equipment. Most of the 146 co-sponsors of the legislation represent areas east of the Rockies. At a recent House Subcommittee hearing, opposition to the bill was voiced from local residents and lawmakers representing the state. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Robert Abbey cautioned that current off-highway vehicle areas would be closed also raised concerns.
The BLM manages all of the land subject to closure. Director Abbey also noted that the agency had not yet completed mapping or an analysis of each area to be designated as wilderness, which would allow the BLM to make informed recommendations on wilderness designations. SEMA will continue to monitor Congressional action on this legislation. Read SEMA comments on Red Rock Wilderness Act.
The SAN Creates "Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation"
Free and unfettered access to public lands is vitally important to many U.S citizens, not the least of which are Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. This hobby represents a growing trend and leads to more people actively using and appreciating our public lands each year. Land use policies developed in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere have a dramatic impact on the availability of public land for hobbyist use, so it is important to be a knowledgeable and active enthusiast. Because these laws and regulations are massively complex, the SAN has created a Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation to help you decode the Washington lingo.
The Guide provides several key tools that will help you build a solid foundation of land use knowledge. It includes a broad overview of such topics as the key federal agencies managing public lands; major laws and regulations, such as the Endangered Species and Wilderness Acts, that affect access to public lands; private organizations who are active in the conservation of natural lands while supporting the hobby; and SAN position statements, which act as a guidepost for legislative and regulatory advocacy.
The SAN has taken the action of submitting comments in opposition to many bills, but participation by invested hobbyists and businesses may be necessary to secure access to these areas in the future for all tax-paying hobbyists. The Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation is another means of protecting access to these lands by putting the information necessary to understand the issues and the players at your fingertips. Educating yourself and using that knowledge to take action by writing your legislators and passing the information on to your friends is the key to creating a win for your hobby and passion. The guide can be found at www.semasan.com.