Saturday, July 07, 2007
THE RVIA HIRES IT'S OWN WASHINGTON DC LOBBIEST
RV Business
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) hired Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form.
The Associated Press reported that the firm will lobby on fuel economy regulations, according to the form posted online Tuesday (July 3) by the Senate's public records office.
In June, the Senate passed legislation that would require an increase in average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon for cars, SUVs and pickup trucks by 2020. There are also at least two House proposals that would boost gas mileage standards.
Association spokesman Kevin Broom said the group wants to make sure that a vehicle's towing capacity — the maximum weight of a trailer that can be hauled — isn't lost as fuel efficiency increases. He said about 75% of RVs sold are towed by another vehicle.
The industry fears that as fuel economy mandates increase, it could create vehicles that would lose their towing ability.
Despite high gas prices, the $14.5 billion RV industry has had five consecutive years of growth, with more than 390,000 shipments in 2006.
Winnebago Industries Inc., Coachmen Industries Inc. and Monaco Coach Corp. are among the 550 manufacturers and component suppliers that are members of the Reston, Va.-based group.
John R. Russell, former deputy chief of staff to former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., is among those registered to lobby on behalf of the group.
Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) hired Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form.
The Associated Press reported that the firm will lobby on fuel economy regulations, according to the form posted online Tuesday (July 3) by the Senate's public records office.
In June, the Senate passed legislation that would require an increase in average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon for cars, SUVs and pickup trucks by 2020. There are also at least two House proposals that would boost gas mileage standards.
Association spokesman Kevin Broom said the group wants to make sure that a vehicle's towing capacity — the maximum weight of a trailer that can be hauled — isn't lost as fuel efficiency increases. He said about 75% of RVs sold are towed by another vehicle.
The industry fears that as fuel economy mandates increase, it could create vehicles that would lose their towing ability.
Despite high gas prices, the $14.5 billion RV industry has had five consecutive years of growth, with more than 390,000 shipments in 2006.
Winnebago Industries Inc., Coachmen Industries Inc. and Monaco Coach Corp. are among the 550 manufacturers and component suppliers that are members of the Reston, Va.-based group.
John R. Russell, former deputy chief of staff to former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., is among those registered to lobby on behalf of the group.
Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
