IT’S HAMMERS TIME!

Struggle For Legendary Race & Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area Ends in Victory

For over six years, a battle brewed over the future of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area in the Southern California desert. The issue was simple—how to expand the adjoining Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms while preserving recreation access to 189,000 acres at Johnson Valley. The Marines needed the additional land to simulate brigade-level expeditionary force movements and the Johnson Valley topography seemed ideal for training purposes. The debate reached a crescendo in 2013 and a decision required Congressional approval. As a result of a consistent grassroots effort from the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and many partner organizations, a legislative solution was reached to create a dedicated OHV recreation area and provide land for military training exercises. » Read More

Legislative Front Liness

Click here for the complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.

» Michigan Bill to Exempt Certain Historic Military Vehicles From License Plate Requirement Approved by House; Moves to Governor

» West Virginia Bill to Permit Remote Starters Approved by Roads and Transportation Committee; Moves to Judiciary Committee

» Ohio Bill to Expand Use of Historical Vehicles Approved by House; Moves to Governor

» Kentucky Bill to Assess Motor Vehicles for Property Tax Approved by House; Moves to Senate

» Tennessee Bills to Exempt Antique Vehicles From Privilege Tax Move Forward

» Arizona Introduces Bill to Exempt Vehicles 40-Years Old and Older From Emissions Inspections

SEMA SAN Strike Force
 

Vintage car collector and advocate Chester Robertson poses with Chuck and Joyce Gibson’s beautiful 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sport Sedan during the 78th Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Annual Meeting earlier this month. Also at the event, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he humbly accepted the title of Vice President of Legislation (2014-2015) for the national organization.

Coming from a household of automotive enthusiasts spanning three generations, it’s no wonder why Chester Robertson is so active in the restoration sector of our hobby. All members of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), the family’s stable includes roughly three dozen antique vehicles ranging between 1901 and 1985, with some never planned to be restored. Forced to choose, Chester says his favorite is a 1910 Maxwell that boasts a whopping 12 horses! This brass-era example is similarly a highlight with his three grandchildren. Ever the club volunteer, the Louisville, Kentucky, resident has spent 28 of his 35 years in the Kyana Region among the group’s board. In addition to promoting legislative awareness within the community, Robertson explains “a main goal of mine is to keep the club strong by attracting young members and encouraging older members to participate in national activities, both meets and tours.” As he takes the reigns of his latest role (for the first time on a national level), join us in wishing the AACA’s new Vice President of Legislation best of luck with his duties. We look forward to working with you, Chester!

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