Powersports Leaders Advocate for Industry on Capitol Hill

IRVINE, CA – May 1, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Leaders from across the powersports industry convened in the nation’s capital on April 8 for the 2025 Powersports Capitol Hill Fly-In, holding 95 meetings with members of Congress and their staffers. The annual event brought together staff and member company representatives from the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America to advocate for the millions of Americans who ride motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides. Participants met with lawmakers from 29 states to share the industry’s position on a range of federal issues, including tariffs, trail funding, public land access, and regulatory developments.

“This was my first Capitol Hill Fly-In,” said Ashmore Ellis, CEO and Founder of Babes Ride Out and Babes in the Dirt. “It’s a powerful thing to know that you belong here, to see competitors in powersports come together for the greater good.”

Ohio Rep. Troy Balderson, Co-Chair of the House Motorcycle Caucus; Utah Sen. John Curtis, a member of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus; Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus; and Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany spoke to associations’ members and staff about their own passion for powersports and the $50.9 billion industry’s impact on their states and the U.S. economy.

Representatives from Americans for Free Trade, the Coalition for Recreational Trails, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation, and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable also addressed the group.

Throughout the Fly-In, participants highlighted the real-world impact of federal decisions on riders, manufacturers, and dealers.

“Dealers are a vital part of congressional districts, riders are voters, and we all have a voice that deserves to be heard,” said John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America.

Tariffs were a major concern. Industry leaders emphasized that these trade penalties act as hidden taxes, raising costs for companies and consumers alike. Powersports representatives pointed out that many key safety items — including helmets — are no longer manufactured in the U.S., making tariffs especially burdensome on essential equipment.

“These indiscriminate tariffs directly raise the price of safety equipment meant to save lives and protect people. Motorcycle Helmets have not been manufactured in the U.S. for many years,” said Stan Demas, President of Schuberth North America.

Participants also urged Congress to extend key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which helped fuel growth in manufacturing and made the U.S. tax system more competitive globally. Without action, companies could face higher taxes and rising costs across key areas — including research and development, equipment purchases, and business loans. Industry leaders warned that allowing these provisions to expire could weaken U.S. manufacturing and slow future investment.

Land access and trail funding also featured prominently. Attendees voiced support for Senate Bill S.811, which seeks to bring Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding in line with what powersports users contribute in fuel taxes. They also urged lawmakers to ensure that federal land agencies are properly staffed to avoid de facto closures of popular riding areas. Earlier this year, Congress passed the EXPLORE Act — a bipartisan law that expands public land access, supports outdoor recreation, and streamlines permitting for small businesses — highlighting the broad support for improved outdoor access and the potential for further progress.

On the regulatory side, participants asked Congress and the EPA to take a measured approach to PFAS legislation. Industry representatives stressed the importance of distinguishing between high-risk soluble PFAS and the lower-risk polymerized materials commonly used in manufacturing parts and gear — substances that currently lack viable alternatives.

“Riding, recreation, and being outdoors is a bipartisan issue,” said Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA. “We saw this with the passage of the EXPLORE Act, and we need to be diligent in communicating how legislation and government actions affect our industry and the enthusiasts who love our products.”

For a detailed look at the industry’s economic footprint, including data by state, see the 2025 Powersports Industry Economic Impact Report from the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Downloadable images from the Fly-In are available here.

About the MIC

The Motorcycle Industry Council, under its marquee market expansion brand, Ride With Us, is working to introduce everyone to the incomparable thrill of riding a motorcycle. The MIC is a not-for-profit trade association representing motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket companies, dealers, retailers, and a variety of related organizations providing vital support to the powersports industry. The MIC advocates for fair policy and regulatory environments, works to deliver valuable data to the industry, and strives to bring the joy of riding to everyone, everywhere.

Established in 1914, the MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. Keep up with the industry association on X @followMIC, online at MIC.org, and through the weekly MIC RideReport.

About ROHVA

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of ROVs (also called side-by-sides or UTVs). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ROHVAdevelops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ROVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., ROHVA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in the ROV Basic DriverCourse nearest you, visit ROHVA.orgor call (866) 267-2751.

About SVIA

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through rider training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also works to preserve access to off-road riding areas and expand riding opportunities. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the SVIA develops standards for equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ATVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Champion Motorsports Group, LLC; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Visit SVIA.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit ATVSafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

Source: Motorcycle Industry Council

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