WASHINGTON — The head of the federal commission responsible for consumer safety has decided to stall enforcement of an anti-lead rule when it comes to youth ATVs and dirt bikes. But it’s not clear if she has the final word.
Acting Consumer Product Safety Commission chairwoman Nancy Nord issued a statement Friday that said she was directing agency staff to delay enforcement of the law for 12 months on children’s all-terrain vehicles and motorbikes.
The motorcycle industry had asked for an exemption.
Nord’s chief of staff, Joe Martyak, said the stay would take effect next week. But the agency’s other commissioner, Thomas Moore, seemed to contradict that.
Moore said it takes the vote of both commissioners to stay enforcement of a congressionally mandated ban.
“I have not, as yet, finalized my decision,” Moore said.
The new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was intended to keep lead away from young children by banning the metal, except in small amounts, from products for children 12 and younger. Lead can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
The motorcycle industry says some bike parts, such as brake and clutch levers or the valve stems on tires, contain small quantities of lead.
Nord said she is concerned a lack of youth ATVs on the market would result in parents buying adult-sized motorbikes and ATVs for their kids.
