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State of California

AIR RESOURCES BOARD

Final Statement of Reasons for Rulemaking

Including Summary of Comments and Agency Responses

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO

THE CALIFORNIA REGULATIONS FOR NEW 1997 AND LATER

OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AND ENGINES

Public Hearing Date: December 10, 1998

Agenda Item No.: 98-14-5

I. GENERAL

The Staff Report: Initial Statement of Reasons (“staff report”), entitled

“Public Hearing to Consider Amendments to the California Regulations for New

1997 and Later Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles and Engines,” released

October 23, 1998, is incorporated by reference herein.

Following a public hearing on December 10, 1998, the Air Resources Board (the

Board or ARB) by resolution 98-66 approved the regional/seasonal riding

season provisions for non-emission-compliant off-highway recreational vehicles,

provisions for certification and vehicle identification requirements for vehicles

that exceed the emissions standards, and other nonsubstantive, clarifying

corrections to the regulations. Resolution 98-66 is attached hereto and

incorporated by reference herein. The Board approved the regulatory language

as proposed with some minor modifications that included a staff reevaluation of

certain riding areas. The regulations subject to the amendments are in the

California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 13, Chapter 9, Article 3, Sections

2410 – 2415.

The amendments modified the existing off-highway recreational regulations to

allow limited usage of vehicles that do not meet the applicable exhaust

emissions standards in California’s off-highway vehicle riding areas. The

amended Article 3 applies to all California off-road motorcycles and all-terrain

vehicles manufactured on/after January 1, 1997 (manufactured on/after

January 1, 1999 for vehicles under 90 cc engine displacement). The proposal

does not change existing exhaust emissions standards, but does provide more

flexibility and opportunities for the use of vehicles that do not meet the exhaust

emissions standards.
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The amendments incorporate certification and vehicle identification requirements

for vehicles that exceed the emissions standards. Their vehicle identification

number will designate emissions complying and noncomplying vehicles. The

amendments also make nonsubstantive clarifying corrections to the regulations.

In order to identify whether a vehicle is subject to limited-use restrictions, a twosticker system (OHV Green/OHV Red) will be incorporated by the Department of

Motor Vehicles to register vehicles. Currently only one sticker is available which

allows access to OHV riding areas. The creation of an alternate sticker for

vehicles that exceed the exhaust emissions standards will distinguish the status

of the vehicle and assist public land managers with enforcement in limited-use

OHV riding areas.

Pertinent Title 13 sections reflecting the OHRV amendments are noted and the

changes are described below. Section 2412(b) incorporates the standards for

exhaust emissions from new off-highway recreational vehicles and engines sold

in the State. Section 2412(c)(1) incorporates by reference the test procedures

for determining compliance with these standards. Section 2412(f) incorporates

by reference the allowance for limited usage of off-road motorcycles and allterrain vehicles that do not meet the emission standards in Section 2412(b).

Table 1 in Section 2415(a) lists the off-highway vehicle riding areas and

applicable riding season time frames for these non-emission-compliant vehicles.

Economic and Fiscal Impacts. The Board has determined that the proposed

regulatory action will not create costs or savings, as defined in Government

Code section 11346.5(a)(6), to any state agency or in federal funding to the

state, costs or mandate to any local agency or school district whether or not

reimbursable by the state pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with section 17500),

Division 4, Title 2 of the Government Code, or other nondiscretionary savings to

local agencies.

In developing this regulatory proposal, the ARB staff evaluated the potential

economic impacts on private persons and businesses. The Board has

determined, pursuant to Government Code section 11346.5(a)(3)(B), that the

regulation will not negatively affect small business. The Executive Officer has

also determined that adoption of the proposed regulatory action will not have a

significant adverse economic impact on businesses, including the ability of

California businesses to compete with businesses in other states.

The Board has determined that there will be no, or an insignificant, potential cost

impact, as defined in Government Code section 11346.5(a)(9), on private

persons or businesses directly affected resulting from the proposed action.
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Finally, the Board has determined that the proposed regulatory action will not

negatively affect the creation or elimination of jobs within the State of California,

the creation of new businesses or elimination of existing businesses within

California, or the expansion of businesses currently doing business within

California. Assessment of the economic impacts of the proposed regulatory

action can be found in the staff report.

Alternatives. For reasons set forth in the Initial Statement of Reasons, staff’s

comments and responses at the hearing, and in this Final Statement of

Reasons, the Board has determined that no alternative considered by the

agency would be more effective in carrying out the purpose for which the

regulatory action was proposed or would be as effective or less burdensome to

affected private persons than the action taken by the Board.

II. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS AND AGENCY RESPONSES

At the December 10, 1998 hearing, oral testimony was received from:

John Paliwoda, California Motorcycle Dealers Association*

Dave Oakleaf, District 37 Legislative Officer, American Motorcyclist Association*

Bill Dart, District 36 Legislative Officer, American Motorcyclist Association*

Jerry Fouts, District 36 President, American Motorcyclist Association

Harold Soens, District 38 Legislative Officer, American Motorcyclist Association*

Don Fuller, Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle Division*

Dana Bell, Western States Representative, American Motorcyclist Association*

Those names above with asterisks also submitted written comments. Most of

these written submissions were comments on the proposed amendments to the

regulations and were received during the 45-day comment period. While the

testimony given by these individuals expressed support of the proposal, many of

their written comments contained requests for changes to the riding seasons at

certain locations. These comments are addressed below.

Additional written comments were received by the hearing date from:

Ed Waldheim, President, California Off Road Vehicle Association

J. Kelly Skeen

Orrin W. Line

Dan Thunborg

May Joe

Doug Clagg

Mike Smith

Dean Ruth

Larry Engwall

Joseph J. North
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Phillip D. McDowell

Paul Smith

Ben Delliskave

Steven Pack

Michael Graves

Eric J. Lundquist, Senior Legislative Affairs Specialist, American Motorcyclist

Association

Jeff Miller, District 37 Chairman, American Motorcyclist Association

Alan Klumph, San Diego Off-Road Coalition

Edward Stovin

Timothy L. Brown

Les Roberts

Mark Cunningham

Peter T. Clounts

Jeffrey J. Petron

Jay Peterson

Susan Peterson

David Drill

Vincent Meyer

D. Stover

Dan Simon

Mark Halael

Malcolm Smith, Owner, Malcolm Smith Motorsports

Tim Rice

David Kaiser

Unsigned

Pamela Amette, Vice President, Motorcycle Industry Council

David Raney, Manager, Environmental and Energy Affairs, American Honda

Motor Company, Incorporated

A number of the commenters supported adoption of the proposed amendments

pertaining to the regional/seasonal riding season provisions for non-emissioncompliant off-highway recreational vehicles. Comments in support of the

amendments are not summarized below. These commenters included:

Dave Murray

David Tharp

Andrew Smirnoff

Robert Shore

Michael R. Cox

John A. Wagster

William D. Benson

Paul Peorroll

Ron L. Maxie

Frank T. Havlik
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Stephanie Nethers

James Howell

Lanay Stearns

Rick Araujo

Set forth is a summary of each objection or recommendation made regarding the

specific regulatory actions proposed, together with an explanation of how the

proposed action was changed to accommodate each objection or

recommendation or the reasons for making no change. The comments have

been grouped by topic wherever possible. Comments not involving objections or

recommendations specifically directed towards the rulemaking or to the

procedures followed by ARB in this rulemaking are not summarized below.

WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD REQUIRED BY

GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 11346.4

A. General comments regarding the necessity of regulating off-highway

recreational vehicles (OHVs).

Several comments were received that raised the question of the necessity for

having OHV regulations. Primarily, there was doubt among many that these

vehicles contribute significantly to the air quality problem in California.

Additionally, since regulations for on-road motorcycles were also proposed at

the December 1998 Board Hearing, some comments contain mention of both.

1. Comment: As you must be fully aware of, motorcycles are responsible for an

almost minute amount of pollution. It certainly seems to me that the public would

be better served by CARB going after the real violators. The refineries,

factories, trucking industry. The violators who can pay the fines or buy the

‘pollution credits’ and continue to do business-as-usual. (Unsigned)

2. Comment: Off-highway vehicles are such a small part of the air quality issue,

something less than 1/10th of one percent of the total, that I suspect that our

contribution has been greatly exaggerated in your study of the problem. Most

off-highway vehicle use is far from most urban population centers, and most use

occurs on weekends and other off-peak emission times. A typical off-highway

vehicle is used for only a few hours on any riding day, a couple of times per

month. (Doug Clagg)

3. Comment: I do not ride my motorcycles very often. The two-stroke is

probably ridden 10 to 15 times per year total and not more than 4-5 hours on any

of those occasions. The emissions impact could not be too great. Most people I

know who also ride have a similar riding frequency. (Paul Smith)
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4. Comment: As an owner of a dirt bike (2-stroke) and a high performance

street bike (4-stroke), I ride only on the weekends. Emissions from these two

motorcycles are actually not enough! For most motorcyclists, motorcycles are a

recreational/hobby type of event, not daily transportation. (Steven Pack)

5. Comment: Two years ago, I read an article which interviewed someone from

the State of California or CARB, defending the position of reducing the

emissions to the point where two-cycle engines would no longer qualify for use

on public lands. He cited computer models and pounds of emissions removed. I

wondered about the data and formulas and how the conclusions were reached.

Were the number of hours each vehicle is utilized exaggerated? Did all the

vehicles pollute equally? Were there considerations for the individuals like

myself who own a few motorcycles? I can only ride one at a time, so the others

can’t be polluting when left in the garage. (Michael Graves)

6. Comment: Please do not use off road vehicle registration numbers when

determining their air emission impact; do look at actual use rates. (Mark

Cunningham)

Agency Response: The staff disagrees with these characterizations of the

emissions impact of OHVs on California’s air quality, and continues to find OHV

regulations necessary to meet and attain state and federal air quality standards.

In 1994, the Board adopted the regulations for OHVs. The Initial Statement of

Reasons for the regulations indicated the significance of OHVs emissions impact

and provided clear and compelling reasons for controlling the emissions emitted

by OHVs. The emission inventory estimate for hydrocarbons from all OHVs was

approximately 49 tons per day, statewide in 2010. Of these 49 tons, off-road

motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) emitted approximately 37. The

primary reason for the significant emission contribution from these vehicles was

that two-stroke engines powered the majority of these vehicles. Sales and

registration data had shown two-strokes were found on approximately 60 percent

of the OHV population. Furthermore, emission testing had determined that

these uncontrolled two-stroke engines emitted smog-forming emissions equal to

118 new cars, on a mile-for-mile basis. With a population exceeding 300,000

vehicles, the impact on air quality is indeed significant. Given California’s

unique air quality problem, the Board has sought and will continue to seek new

and additional emission reductions from a variety of mobile source categories.
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B. Comments perceiving an intent by ARB to further control emissions

from OHVs.

7. Comment: With regards to the “two stroke ban,” I find it difficult to understand

how these vehicles could be banned across the board in California considering

their extremely limited use. (Mark Cunningham)

8. Comment: I am not in favor of any strict emission standards for motorcycles

on road or off road. I’ve been riding motorcycles for 33 years. I just can’t see

what the big deal is when motorcycles are only 1⁄2 of 1% of the vehicles on the

road. (Orrin W. Line)

9. Comment: I am opposed to the new emission standards that you are

proposing for motorcycles in California. Now I can’t buy a new 2-stroke

motorcycle to ride on my public land! These regulations are prohibitively

restrictive, and will damage both the motorcycle industry and those of us who

like to ride motorcycles. Your regulations have cut the number of OHVs

available in this state from about 100 to down around 10 or so. (Dan Thunborg)

10. Comment: In addition, the two-stroke ban should not be considered a viable

option for pollution reduction as the tiny amount of two-stroke motorcycles being

ridden in our state has a miniscule effect on the pollution now found in Southern

California and the Sacramento Valley, especially in the summer when pollution

is at its worst. Banning these bikes will not solve the problem. (Larry Engwall)

11. Comment: This is a request that no more pollution restrictions be placed on

motorcycles. Doing so would result in costlier motorcycles and a significant

change in design and character of many, causing them to be less saleable with

no measurable pollution reduction. Estimates of total pollution from all

motorcycles are generally about .5% to .6% of all pollution. Off road

motorcycles would be a very small fraction of this. (May Joe)

12. Comment: It’s ridiculous to believe you are doing anything good by banning

two stroke motorcycles in the state of California. Let me re-educate you on a

few stats and facts which you have obviously forgotten:

1) Motorcycle riders, including four stroke owners, are only 2% of California’s

population.

2) Motorcycles emit only 0.00625% of California’s population.

3) All of your efforts will only reduce emissions by less than 1%. (Dean Ruth)

Agency Response: The staff disagrees that their amendments will result in the

banning of 2-stroke engines or in the establishment of more stringent emission

standards. Neither is true because the amendments do not modify the existing

emission standards. Instead, these amendments sought to address the
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unintended economic impact that many dealers had experienced with the lack of

emission-compliant product. The assumption in 1994 was that manufacturers

would provide a full-line of emission-compliant product. Unfortunately, this did

not fully materialize as envisioned and sales were disrupted, so a committee was

formed in order to address the problem.

The 1998 amendments were the result of the committee’s efforts. The

regional/seasonal approach allowing the use of non-emission-compliant OHVs

was a compromise that provided an opportunity for economic relief to dealers,

while still achieving air quality benefits. Within a reasonable distance, users of

non-emission-compliant OHVs should have access to public lands for a six- to

eight-month period in which they can operate their vehicle(s), as well as at all

sanctioned competition events. This opportunity for usage is anticipated to

result in improved sales for California dealers and a better selection of vehicles

for purchase.

See also the agency response to comments 1-6.

C. Comment specifying revised emission standards for OHVs.

13. Comment: What I would like to see is a rational compromise, one which

would require the off-highway motorcycles to be cleaned up, but not to the level

that would eliminate their functionality. For instance, a combined HC + NOx

level of 2-3 g/km over the driving cycle would allow all four stroke and only clean

burning two-stroke engines to power these products. This would be an

improvement over current emissions levels and would still provide the option for

the enthusiast to select between a two-stroke or four-stroke product. (Phillip D.

McDowell)

Agency Response: Staff need not respond to this comment because it is

directed at changing the emissions standards, which is not a subject of the

proposal. Nonetheless, the commenter suggests a mechanism to potentially

increase the number of models available that comply with the emission

standards by reducing the stringency of the standards. These models would

then be allowed unlimited use at off-highway parks. No data were supplied to

suggest that more models would actually be available at the suggested emission

levels. Although the approved amendments do not specifically provide the users

with more emission compliant vehicles available for purchase, they provide

increased usage for those vehicles that do not meet the exhaust emission

standard. As a result, the selection of vehicles that may be used only during

sanctioned racing events has been greatly reduced and replaced with more

vehicles that may be used for unlimited riding in ozone attainment areas and

limited riding in ozone nonattainment areas.
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D. Comments regarding the impact the OHV regulations have on access

to and funding of California’s OHV parks.

14. Comment: I strongly favor amending the standards to allow two-cycle

competition motorcycles their constitutional and fundamental right of access to

public lands. This segment of society has been unfairly targeted for blame for

pollution; their impact is, in fact, minimal. (Les Roberts)

15. Comment: I would strongly support a change to laws which have prevented

the registration of 1998 and newer off road motorcycles for use on public lands.

(Jeffrey J. Petron)

Agency Response: Because the amendments approved by the Board will

provide the owners of two-cycle competition models and other OHVs that do not

meet the emission standards additional access to public lands, staff believes the

amendments address this concern.

16. Comment: I’m a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

and find your regulations on the use of off-road motorcycles and ATV’s that can’t

meet the overly strict requirements for emissions very unfair, being that it has

basically eliminated use of new dirt bikes and ATV’s from public lands that were

funded for their use through “Green Sticker” fees. (Mike Smith)

17. Comment: As we all know, public funding in the green sticker program has

taken a dramatic drop due to the restrictions applied to non-attainment engines.

To reverse this trend and keep funding available we should lift the restrictions

and find another way. (Jay Peterson, Susan Peterson)

Agency Response: The revised identification and registration program will

ensure that funding from OHV registration fees will be forwarded to the

Department of Parks for use to maintain and improve off-highway parks. All

OHVs used for recreational purposes and registered by DMV will receive either

a green or red sticker registration, depending on whether the vehicle meets

exhaust emission standards or does not meet exhaust emission standards,

respectively. Registration fees from both the green and red stickers will be used

to continue to fund the off-highway parks, as was done prior to the

implementation of the 1997 OHVs emission regulations.

See also agency response to comments 7-12.

E. Comments regarding the proposed riding season time frames.

Several comments were received that sought additional time to the proposed

riding seasons. Many of these commenters expressed general approval with the

proposed “riding season” concept; however, they found the riding season time

frames too stringent in certain areas.
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18. Comment: We would like to request that you make some exceptions in the

basic regulations. Our comments are as follows:

We are concerned with the seasons for riding in the areas outlined in pages 12

through page 18. These seasons are too short and are confusing. In a lot of

areas, the riding season coincides with snow in the mountains where we cannot

access the area anyway. What good does it do us to have a riding season if we

are unable to reach or ride the area?

Page 12: Riding season in the State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) should

be September 15 to June 30. All of them should be the same. The SVRA’s are

all at higher elevations or in outlying areas. It is reasonable to shut down during

summer months, which are July, August, and part of September. That is when

smog tends to be at its worse. We believe that for enforcement and public

relations purposes it would be easier for all areas that have a date to be the

same. September 15 to June 30 with no riding in July, August, and part of

September. This will achieve the desired result for CARB.

Page 13: Clear Creek should be from September 15 to June 30. Chappie

Shasta: September 15 to June 30. You lose a lot of riding time during the winter

months due to snow. California Desert should all be September 15 to June 30.

That is our riding season and after that everything shuts down due to the heat.

Page 14: BLM areas should be the same dates, September 15 to June 30.

Lark Canyon is prohibited. I have no idea why this was done. No monitoring

was done in this area to warrant such a drastic measure. It should be the same

as every other area. Angeles National Forest: The same riding season should

be imposed, September 15 to June 30. These areas are at a higher elevation

and at remote locations where air quality is not an issue.

Page 15: Cleveland National Forest: Corral Canyon is the only area close to

the San Diego Riders. The riding time should be extended; this is very much a

family area and now we are going to keep them out. Families and their children

need access to this area.

In all of the snow areas, I would suggest just extending the riding season at both

ends and you will accomplish what you expect. (Ed Waldheim, President,

California Off-Road Vehicle Association)

19. Comment: There has been much discussion regarding the riding seasons

and the reasoning behind the designated dates. It was the general consensus

of the group that the seasons should be extended at least one month at each

end, or from September 1st through May 31st. Since Department of Parks and

Recreation’s (DPR) SVRA’s (page 12) are at higher elevations, it would seem to

make sense to make their season from Sept. to June 30th. Riding in the National
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Forests should be at least extended to these months, as there is snow at these

elevations for much of the season currently allowed. Most of our competitive

racing is done in Johnson and Stoddard Valley (page 13) and we would like to

see these seasons expanded to include September through May. In our

discussions it was indicated that the air quality has improved over the past

twenty or so years and we would like to make sure that as the air is monitored

and determined to be improving, that these seasons and areas are expanded.

Also the areas indicated as Spangler and Jawbone (page 13) be extended one

month earlier to include September. These areas are at a higher elevation and

are quite remote. (Dave Oakleaf, District 37 Legislative Officer, American

Motorcyclist Association)

20. Comment: I am writing to express my support for any and all revisions that

will allow the continued responsible use of 2-stroke OHV manufactured after

1997. I urge all board members to revise these regulations to allow continued

year round 2-stroke use. (Peter T. Clounts)

21. Comment: The pending regulation to expand and provide relief to

motorcycle dealers and users throughout the state should be applauded. I

would encourage you to further expand the “limited use” seasons to correspond

with the proposed seasons of northern California public lands (i.e., year-round).

(Jay Peterson; Susan Peterson)

22. Comment: I understand that CARB is considering a “zoning” initiative that

appears to be a step in the right direction. The vast majority of off-road vehicle

riders in California use their vehicles on weekends only, and only during the

months of October through April (low smog periods). Fact is, the open desert

and foothills are far too hot to ride during the summer months. Prohibiting the

use or decreasing the emissions from off road bikes that operate in high smog

areas makes more sense and I could support that. (Mark Cunningham)

23. Comment: Please consider opening up areas in Southern California as well

as Northern California to use by noncomplying motorcycles during seasons of

lower air pollution. Although Southern California has a more severe air pollution

problem than Northern California, our riding areas are generally many miles from

population centers where pollution exists. (Jeffrey J. Petron)

24. Comment: The Board should also lessen the restrictions in Southern

California. (David Drill, Vincent Meyer, D. Stover, Dan Simon, Mark Halael)
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Agency Response: The main air quality benefit associated with the OHV

regulations was hydrocarbon emission reductions, an ozone precursor.

Therefore, to determine the appropriate riding seasons, data reflecting ozone

levels, ozone exceedances and meteorological (wind) data from each area

surrounding an OHV park were analyzed. Of particular interest was the

frequency of exceedances of state standards as well as the dates in which these

exceedances occurred.

Many of the commenters raised issues about elevation and the typical

remoteness (i.e., far from large population areas) of the OHV riding areas.

While it is recognized that these riding areas are usually in rural or undeveloped

places, many happen to be downwind of major metropolitan areas. With most of

the population residing on or near the coast (e.g., San Francisco, Los Angeles,

San Diego) and the prevailing wind patterns flowing eastward, the OHV riding

areas that lie inland are often in an area that is not in attainment for ozone. In

fact, the majority of OHV riding areas are in ozone nonattainment areas,

regardless of elevation. The proposed riding season time frames reflected this

fact. Because extending the riding seasons beyond those provided in the

amendments could contribute to ozone exceedances, the proposal was not

modified in response to these comments.

As reflected in many of the comments, the riding season time frames in Southern

California tend to be more stringent than in Northern California. Not surprisingly,

ozone nonattainment is also more prevalent and more critical in Southern

California than in Northern California. Recognizing these differences in ozone

levels, ozone attainment and nonattainment, population, wind patterns, etc., all

serve to demonstrate how this problem varies. Because of this variance, a

single, statewide, riding season time frame would not yield meaningful emission

reductions, especially where most necessary, unless the time frame was very

limited. However, because of the thorough analysis that was undertaken to

determine the air quality on a site-by-site basis, the proposed riding season time

frames do provide more opportunities than previously allowed under the original

OHV regulations

25. Comment: My only concern is that I would still like to see the standards

modified for users based in Southern California, as I have a home in San Diego

County and do much of my riding in Orange and Riverside County’s. The plan is

still too restrictive for users based in these regions. (J. Kelly Skeen)

26. Comment: I am an off-road motorcycle rider and racer who does not support

the proposed emission standards and restriction of riding seasons in southern

California. My recreational opportunities will be drastically reduced if the

seasonal use proposals are adopted. The restricted riding seasons would be

limiting in much the same way as my choice of off-road motorcycles has been

limited due to the 1997 emission rules. (Doug Clagg)
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Agency Response:

See agency responses to comments 18-24 and to comments 7-12.

27. Comment: We agree that cleaner air is a priority for California and we will at

this time accept the proposed Amendments. However, we remain concerned

with the data that has driven the restriction, with realistic availability of future

complying vehicles, and with the desirability of such vehicles that would

encourage scrapage of old ones. Should data become available or

circumstances change that could allow a broader use of all off-highway

recreational vehicle types we trust that the staff and Board will consider

reasonable proposals. (Dana Bell, Western States Representative, American

Motorcyclist Association; Eric J. Lundquist, Senior Legislative Affairs Specialist,

American Motorcyclist Association)

28. Comment: The American Motorcyclist Association District 37 does

understand and respects the California Air Resources Board’s mission. We do

have reservations about the accuracy of the data concerning the High Desert

area. This is due to the Locations of the Ozone Detectors. We also feel

because of the extreme heat during the summer months, that the Off Road

Vehicle areas receive minimal use, resulting in no effect on the air quality. (Jeff

Miller, District 37 Chairman, Board of Directors, American Motorcyclist

Association)

29. Comment: During the qualification process for each off-road recreational

site or area, we felt that the staff’s assessment for a number of the sites was too

stringent, based on subjective meteorological determinations, resulting in usage

seasons that were too restrictive, especially in the San Bernardino National

Forest and the Southern California high desert. However, we feel that the staff

proposal should be adopted, and that we should collectively monitor the sites’

ambient ozone levels attributable to off-road motorcycle and ATV use. If the

levels are less than expected, these sites’ riding season should be extended.

(John Paliwoda, Director of Government Relations, California Motorcycle

Dealers Association)

Agency Response: The most currently available air quality monitoring,

meteorological, and emissions data were used to establish the riding seasons

for OHV parks in Ozone nonattainment areas. Staff acknowledged that

conditions may change based on new data. Thus, section 2415 (b) provides the

Executive Officer authority to modify the riding seasons as areas are

redesignated from nonattainment to attainment status.

See also agency response to comments 18-24.
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30. Comment: I do have a couple of areas I think need to be revisited. Corral

Canyon and Lark Canyon are areas in east San Diego County Mountains, and in

most cases have very clean air all years. The altitude is about 45 hundred feet.

Lark Canyon is about 10 miles off of Interstate 8. Corral Canyon is another

recreation area located approximately 6 miles off Interstate 8. These areas are

used moderately but are very important to people that use them; they are the

only motorized recreation in East San Diego Mountains and should cause no

harm to air quality. (Harold Soens, District 38 Legislative Officer, American

Motorcyclist Association)

31. Comment: There are, however, a couple of changes to the new proposed

restriction that we would like to address for your consideration. We feel that the

“Prohibited” restriction being placed on Corral Canyon, Lark Canyon and Arroyo

Salado and the limited riding season at Wildomar (Dec 1 – Feb 28/29) are way

to severe and wish that you consider relaxing them somewhat. (Alan Klumph,

San Diego Off-Road Coalition; Edward Stovin)

32. Comment: I wish to have you consider changing the overly restrictive riding

seasons listed for Corral Canyon, Lark Canyon, and Arroyo Salado. Corral

Canyon and Lark Canyon OHV areas are located in the mountains east of

metropolitan San Diego. The prevailing weather/wind patterns flow easterly,

which removes any reason to consider their impact on the San Diego area air

quality. There is no possible connection between vehicle use in these regions

with the photochemical smog in the San Diego area. These two areas should

have no seasonal restrictions. Arroyo Salado which is directly adjacent to the

Ocotillo Wells SVRA should have the same riding season (October 15 to May

15) as the Ocotillo Wells SVRA, since there is no practical difference in location.

(Timothy L. Brown)

Agency Response: There were three OHV riding areas directly east of San

Diego that were classified as “Prohibited” to use by non-emission-compliant

OHVs because of instances of ozone exceedances in nearly every month of the

year. These prohibitions were subsequently modified in response to these

comments and others, as explained in more detail under the Board Hearing Oral

Testimony section, below.

F. Comments regarding the economic impacts due to the regulations.

Comments were received that addressed the potential economic impact that the

OHV regulations could have/have had on dealers and industry.

33. Comment: As you are aware, manufacturers of off and on road motorcycles,

as well as personal watercraft, are critically aware of environmental concerns

and are developing new units to comply with EPA guidelines. The necessary

timeline for the research and development of these products is absolutely critical
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to the future of my business. If the California Air Resources Board implement

restrictions the manufacturers cannot meet, it would be the demise of yet

another California industry. I request that you support the position by the

California Motorcycle Dealers Association. (Malcolm Smith, Owner, Malcolm

Smith Motorsports)

34. Comment: I own and operate a motorcycle/personal watercraft dealership in

this state. Last year we lost a lot of sales due to the strict emission standard that

was imposed on dirt bikes. While these vehicles may have engines that are

considerably dirtier than cars, the amount of time that they are operated is a

fraction of what a car is. I wonder if anyone at CARB took that into

consideration. The manufacturers were unable to supply cleaner two stroke dirt

bikes after January 1, 1997 and as a result, the California motorcycle dealers

lost a lot of business. CARB should consider what is practical, otherwise

businesses like mine whom employ 20 Californians get caught in the middle.

Please be reasonable. (Tim Rice)

35. Comment: You can count myself as one person who is very concerned

about the new proposed emission standards regarding both on and off-road

motorcycles. These unrealistic standards jeopardize future growth of

motorcycling in the State of California by placing unrealistic standards that can’t

be met without a substantial increase in the overall cost of a new motorcycle. As

one who makes their living in the Powersports industry (our company employs

500+ people), I can’t help but feel that if passed, the new standards would have

a detrimental effect on our future business. CARB promised that the 1997 2

Stroke ban would not impact the sport, yet in fact, it has reduced the number of

green sticker OHVs available for individuals to purchase by 90%. In closing, I

worry about our environment, yet I have become very dismayed when CARB and

the EPA try to regulate me and my family out of a job for the sake of the very

minor improvements in the environment. (David Kaiser)

Agency Response: When the OHV regulations were approved by the Board in

1994, the manufacturers supported the regulations and suggested that by 1997

new, cleaner OHVs would be available for purchase. Upon implementation of

the OHV standards in 1997, the lack of certified product became a reality. While

there was sufficient numbers of complying ATVs, there were only 10 models of

off-road motorcycles certified to meet the standards. It was reported, by the

OHV dealers, that sales declined. However, manufacturer sales data reported

that sales had not dropped. The result was that many non-emission-compliant

OHVs were being sold, registered, and used as emission-compliant OHVs.
16

As a result of the situation noted above, the staff developed its proposal. The

proposal encourages manufacturers and users to offer and buy, respectively,

complying OHVs because they may be used at all OHV parks, anytime. It also

provided an avenue for dealers and users to offer and use, respectively, nonemission-compliant OHVs in certain areas and seasons. Furthermore, the

proposal helps to maintain the anticipated emission reductions during high smog

periods, by allowing only emission-compliant OHVs to operate.

The intent of these amendments was to provide relief to dealers and users, while

maintaining air quality benefits. In developing these amendments, ARB

consulted with and received general approval from the California Motorcycle

Dealers Association, an organization of which the majority of California dealers

are members. The ARB has made public outreach efforts to publicize and

explain the new rules. As the affected public becomes more aware of the new

rules and their options – in terms of usage for compliant versus noncompliant

OHVs, the riding seasons for the various OHV areas, the opportunities for

practice in preparation for competitions, etc. – they will be more confident to

purchase new OHVs, which will rectify the impact many dealers experienced.

G. Comments regarding certification of non-emission-compliant OHVs.

For proper implementation of the proposed amendments to the OHV regulations,

a new requirement for manufacturers was proposed. This requirement involved

obtaining an Executive Order for the non-emission-compliant OHVs. Comments

were received regarding the proposed format of this new certification

requirement.

36. Comment: After reviewing your draft application, MIC members still strongly

recommend a much simpler format.

As we have already stated, many of the requirements you propose, such as the

engine information, are not necessary to accomplish the intended goals of the

amendments and pose an unjustified burden on the manufacturers. As you

know, the off-highway emissions regulation already requires that a noncomplying vehicle be designated by a “C” or “3” in the eighth character of the

VIN. Furthermore, engine family names are not assigned to non-complying

vehicles and the request for exhaust ECS is not applicable since these vehicles

do not have emission control systems.

A sample of MIC’s proposed certification application is attached for your

consideration. We recommend that a one-page certification application be used

for all non-complying vehicles rather than the burdensome application for each
17

model as you have proposed. Based on your draft application, we assume that

the proposed requirements in section 86.416-80(b)(2), (5) and (6) have been

eliminated. Please let me know if this is an incorrect assumption. (Pamela

Amette, Vice President, Motorcycle Industry Council)

37. Comment: Honda recommends that the Application not be required and

alternatively, we provide the data in our quarterly sales reports. These reports

could be expanded to include the additional information that is necessary to

accomplish what we perceive as your goal; that is providing the ability to identify

non-conforming vehicles in this category.

The information requested in your draft Application is troublesome to Honda for

the following reasons:

1) Compiling, reviewing, recording, and updating the information periodically

represents an additional burden to both manufacturers and the ARB certification

staff without providing any perceived benefit to ARB.

2) In the case of competition motorcycles, the engine-specific information will

probably not be meaningful due to model variability experienced in a competition

environment.

3) We do not understand why ARB is interested in attaching an Executive Order.

Also, the association of this information with a Certification Application actually

implies that we are seeking certification for vehicles/engines that are exempt

from regulation. We do not believe that an E.O.# and Application should be

associated with this information, therefore, we are suggesting the alternative

format of our quarterly report. (David Raney, Manager, Environmental and

Energy Affairs, American Honda Motor Company, Incorporated)

Agency Response: Two key components for the successful implementation of

the OHV regulations involve registration and enforcement. Agreement to

enforce the riding season limitations on non-emission-compliant OHVs has been

obtained from the public land agencies. With the Green Sticker program already

in place, the additional enforcement requirements of the Red Sticker program

pose no real burden. However, in order to perform this enforcement function

efficiently, registration must be properly issued by the Department of Motor

Vehicles (DMV). DMV issues the proper form of registration based on the

vehicle identification number (VIN). Non-emission-compliant OHVs must have a

properly coded VIN; otherwise such high-polluting OHVs could obtain the wrong

registration, operate year-round, and exacerbate the ozone problem.

While for marketing purposes, manufacturers may refer to an OHV as a

competition vehicle, sound and safety requirements dictated by the California

Vehicle Code and enforced by public land authorities make modifications

necessary (e.g., exhaust pipe silencer/spark arrester) such that for use on public
18

lands, these OHVs are not identical to the vehicles used by competitors at the

highest professional levels. Hence, ARB recognizes two classes of OHV:

emission-compliant and non-emission-compliant. Both require Executive Order

certification.

With this new requirement for certifying a non-emission-compliant vehicle, a

much shortened certification application was envisioned, since emission test

results were not considered necessary. However, there was disagreement from

industry regarding what information should be included. Initially, ARB’s proposal

paralleled the requirements already in place for golf carts, which was adopted by

the Board in 1994. During the 45-day comment period staff streamlined the data

required for certification and drafted an application for manufacturers to review.

Retained are identification and description of the vehicle(s) covered by the

certification application, projected sales figures for California, and a copy of the

owner’s manual. These changes were addressed in Attachment B and

presented to the Board for consideration at the time of the Board Hearing.

The comment from Honda misunderstands ARB’s need for this application. The

brevity of the application, typically one page, will not pose a burden for ARB

certification staff. Also, because some of the similarities in data are already

found in the quarterly reporting, the application should not cause a burden to

manufacturers. The distinction is this certification application is now required of

all manufacturers of non-emission-compliant OHVs, as opposed to the quarterly

sales reports, which are only received from the large-volume manufacturers that

voluntarily agreed to provide this information for a three-year period, expiring in

2000. As stated above, the information is very important in order to ensure

proper registration and enforcement. Furthermore, detailed vehicle descriptions

are necessary for ARB inspection and enforcement efforts.

H. Out-of-state comment.

One comment was received from an individual from the state of Florida, who had

some misconceptions about the regulations.

38. Comment: “I am writing in concern of the “Green Sticker” law on off-road

motorcycles. I am confused on why this issue is solely focusing on off-road

motorcycles and worried that this will spread to my state. From what I have read

in numerous articles, California has enacted a “Green Sticker” law on off-road

motorcycles manufactured after the date of January 1, 1997. My questions

include: Why was this so abrupt? Were bike manufacturers prewarned of this?

Why is this only an issue with off-road motorcycles? Finally, are there any

possibilities of a “Green Sticker” law in the state of Florida?” (Joseph J. North)
19

Agency Response: The regulations adopted by ARB are applicable only for

California vehicles. The Green Sticker is not a law, per se, but evidence of offhighway vehicle registration. The initiation of this requirement many years ago

was not motivated by air quality reasons. The fees charged for this registration

are used for the betterment of the OHV community in such areas as grooming of

trails, upkeep of public lands, safety enforcement, etc.

The regulations adopted by ARB have, with the consent of California’s

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), changed the criteria DMV will use in its

sticker program. Only emission-compliant OHVs now qualify for the Green

Sticker. These vehicles can be used year-round. Non-emission-compliant

OHVs are eligible for the Red Sticker. For ease of enforcement, the Red Sticker

visibly identifies an OHV as emissions noncompliant, and thus, subject to the

usage limitations of the riding seasons.

As with all regulations that ARB proposes, industry and other concerned and

involved parties were notified of and consulted with during the development

process of these regulations.

BOARD HEARING ORAL TESTIMONY

As previously mentioned, the individuals that gave testimony at the Board

Hearing expressed approval and/or acceptance of the proposed amendments.

These oral comments added no negative comments in need of response beyond

the responses provided above to parallel written comments. The one comment

below is a portion of testimony that reiterated the concerns about the

“Prohibited” riding areas near San Diego.

39. Comment: There’s 87 riding areas on here. Unfortunately, two of them that

are not allowed to be ridden in at all are in my district, approximately 30 miles

apart. One is in the Cleveland National Forest, the other one is in BLM country,

the high desert area. I’d just like to relook at this and see if we can get some

kind of time, any kind of time, a month, an hour, any time... (Harold Soens,

District 38 Legislative Officer, American Motorcyclist Association)

Agency Response: As directed by the Board, staff re-evaluated the ozone data

for the OHV riding areas east of San Diego. Although ozone exceedances were

recorded in every month but January at the Alpine monitoring station, the

exceedance in December was very early in the month, with the rest of the days

registering in attainment. Therefore, both Lark Canyon (under Bureau of Land

Management (BLM) jurisdiction) and Corral Canyon (under U.S. Forest Service

jurisdiction), which in the original regulatory text were classified as “Prohibited”

for use by non-emission-compliant OHVs, now have a riding season from

December 1 through January 31.
20

The other “Prohibited” OHV site within the vicinity of San Diego, Arroyo Salado,

was also modified. It became known that Arroyo Salado, which at the time of the

Board Hearing was under the jurisdiction of BLM, was scheduled to be

incorporated into the domain of Ocotillo Wells and managed by the California

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Arroyo Salado was subsequently

removed from the list of OHV riding areas. Due to its proximity to Ocotillo Wells

and concerns for uniform enforcement, the riding season for Ocotillo Wells

remains October 15 through May 15. Since the infusion of new land to Ocotillo

Wells’ territory only moderately increases the riding area, it is reasonable to

conclude that this modification poses no significant impact to air quality. These

changes to the riding season schedule were made and presented in the Notice

of Public Availability of Modified Text for this regulatory item on March 5, 1999.

MODIFICATIONS TO THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL

NOTICE OF MODIFIED TEXT

At the hearing, the Board approved the proposed amendments to Sections

2410 – 2415, Title 13, CCR, and the associated test procedures with some

modifications to the originally proposed regulatory language. The following is a

description of the modifications, by section number.

Section 2411 – The weight limit of 600 pounds was removed from the definition

of “All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).” The definition of an ATV is no longer limited by

vehicle weight. All-terrain vehicles used for recreational purposes are typically

less than 600 pounds. There are other ATVs, which weigh more and are

typically used under worklike applications. At the October 22, 1998 hearing for

Large Off-Road Spark-Ignition Engine regulations, the Board directed staff to

modify the definition of ATV in Section 2411 to remove the 600 pound unladen

weight limit restriction, resulting in the inclusion of all ATVs, regardless of

weight, into the OHRV regulations. To accomplish the Board’s directive, staff

included this change as part of the 15-day Notice of Modified Text for the OHRV

rule. Also language was added to the definition of “Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN)” to provide an alternative VIN when the federal VIN cannot be

obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The

alternative VIN must be approved by the Executive Officer of the ARB.

Section 2415 – This section contains a table that specifies the riding seasons

for the OHV areas. A two-month riding season (December 1 through January

31) was allowed for the Lark Canyon and Coral Canyon OHV areas. In addition,

the OHV area previously known as Arroyo Salado has been incorporated into

the Ocotillo Wells OHV area. The riding season for Ocotillo Wells remains the

same.
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Language regarding the Sunset Review of Regulations was added to this section

in accordance with Governor’s Executive Order W-144-97, which affects other

regulatory items as well. This language requires that the ARB review this

section within five years from its date of adoption or date of implementation,

whichever comes later, to determine whether it should be retained, revised, or

repealed.

Test Procedures – The same changes that were made to the definitions of ATV

and VIN in Section 2411 of the regulations, as described above, were also made

in the test procedures. Language was added that allows manufacturers of offhighway recreational vehicles that cannot obtain federal VIN numbers from

NHTSA, to use an alternate VIN approved by the Executive Officer of the ARB

for the purpose of certification. This modification mirrors the VIN definition

modifications described above. Minor changes were made in the information

required to be submitted during certification for non-emission-compliant offhighway recreational vehicles.

WRITTEN COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO THE NOTICE OF MODIFIED TEXT

No comment letters were received.