In a move highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility, a group of Harley-Davidson dealerships in Utah has been penalized for violating air pollution regulations. The dealerships, all under the same ownership, have been ordered to pay a significant fine, sending a clear message about the consequences of non-compliance with environmental laws.
The core issue revolves around violations of the Clean Air Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect and improve the nation's air quality. This act sets standards for air pollutants and empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate emissions from various sources, including vehicles.
The specific violations involve the removal of catalytic converters from Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the installation of aftermarket parts that lead to increased tailpipe emissions. Catalytic converters are essential components in modern vehicles, designed to reduce the harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.
The dealerships implicated in this case include Harley-Davidson of Salt Lake City, South Valley Harley-Davidson Shop in Sandy, Golden Spike Harley-Davidson in Riverdale, and Saddleback Harley-Davidson in Logan. All these locations are controlled by Joseph L. Timmons Jr.
The penalty for these violations is substantial: a $450,000 fine. This financial repercussion serves as a deterrent and underscores the seriousness with which the EPA and other environmental agencies view violations of the Clean Air Act.
Beyond the financial penalty, the dealerships have also agreed to comply with regulations regarding catalytic converters and aftermarket modifications. This agreement signifies a commitment to rectifying past practices and ensuring future compliance with environmental standards.
Specifically, the dealerships are prohibited from removing federally-required catalytic converters from motorcycles or installing aftermarket parts that lead to their removal. This restriction directly addresses the core issue that led to the violations.
Furthermore, the dealerships are barred from selling or installing catalyst-defeating aftermarket parts. This measure aims to prevent customers from circumventing emissions regulations by purchasing and installing parts that negate the effectiveness of catalytic converters.
The use of electronic "tuners" is also restricted, unless they are certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB certification ensures that these tuners do not impair emission-reducing settings in the motorcycle's engine control module (ECM).
Notably, this case marks the first known Clean Air Act citizen enforcement targeting motorcycle dealerships. It highlights the role of citizen groups in monitoring and enforcing environmental regulations.
Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE), a prominent advocacy group, played a crucial role in bringing this case to light. UPHE has a track record of enforcing environmental protections against various entities, demonstrating its commitment to clean air and public health.
Dr. Kirtly Jones, a UPHE board member, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, commending the dealerships for their change in direction. He emphasized that the outcome is a "win for everyone" and a "win for clean air."
Dr. Brian Moench, UPHE co-founder and president, underscored the importance of catalytic converters in controlling air pollution. He stated that the use of these devices is essential for maintaining acceptable air quality.
The outcome of this case sets an important precedent for protecting air quality in Utah and potentially across the country. It reinforces the message that businesses must comply with environmental regulations to safeguard public health.
Interestingly, this enforcement action coincides with a period of transition for Harley-Davidson. The company recently appointed a new CEO, Jonathan Root, who faces the challenge of navigating the brand's future while remaining true to its heritage.
Starrs' appointment was met with some surprise, given his background in the sports entertainment industry (Topgolf) and the fast-food sector (Pizza Hut). This unconventional background raised questions about his familiarity with the motorcycle industry and the Harley-Davidson brand.
To gain firsthand experience, Starrs reportedly visited a Maverick Harley-Davidson dealership in Texas, posing as a regular customer with no prior knowledge of motorcycles. This move suggests a desire to understand the customer experience and the Harley-Davidson culture from the ground up.
Kevin Favier, the dealership leader, noted that Starrs acted like "a regular guy who wanted to learn to ride." He signed up for riding school and purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, seeking an authentic and unbiased experience.
The motorcycle Starrs chose was a Harley-Davidson Softail Standard, a model known for its classic cruiser vibe and "hot rod swagger." This choice suggests an appreciation for the brand's traditional styling and performance.
Harley-Davidson boasts a vast network of over 650 dealerships across the United States, providing sales, service, and support to riders nationwide. These dealerships serve as important hubs for the Harley-Davidson community.
However, recent times have seen multiple Harley-Davidson dealerships close their doors for various reasons. These closures highlight the challenges facing the motorcycle industry and the need for dealerships to adapt to changing market conditions.
For example, a San Francisco location closed after 110 years due to the "chaos" brought by new management, while another dealership in Titusville, Florida, closed citing "economic down turn."
Similarly, a dealership in Rock Hill, South Carolina, closed with the owner citing "health problems." Reiman's Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed after the owners decided to sell to another dealership. Plus, a dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is also closing, and a dealership in Missouri announced it would shutter.