The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola:
SEMA appreciates the difficult task facing the Democratic Party as it begins its process of identifying a new nominee for president and vice president of the United States. While many issues will be weighed and considered with regard to the pool of emerging candidates, SEMA asks that the party identify and unite around nominees whose values are in line with those of SEMA's members--the 7,000 companies that create, buy, sell and use specialty-automotive parts--as well as the consumers whose support of these businesses help create jobs and fuel a nearly $337 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy.
SEMA seeks candidates who will:
- Remain technology-neutral in pursuit of decarbonizing motor vehicles in their environmental policy, including consideration for the many options on the road to zero emissions. Such a candidate will understand the pivotal role of American-grown biofuels, synthetic fuels, hydrogen, carbon capture and innovations in engine systems and fuels for achieving our shared goal of reducing carbon in the atmosphere.
- Prioritize small business in their economic policy, including support for independent businesses by enabling them to thrive by fostering their ability to reach, support and engage with their customers to the betterment of the marketplace. Such a candidate will champion consumers' rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles, as well as policies that ensure independent repair shops, aftermarket businesses and automotive enthusiasts have access to the tools and information necessary to repair and service motor vehicles.
- Preserve America's recreational use of public lands in their conservation policy, including land-use policies that provide reasonable motorized recreational access to public lands so that off-road enthusiasts can responsibly enjoy their passion. Such a candidate will oppose usage policies that unnecessarily limit access, such as wilderness and national monument designations that are larger than needed to protect unique natural resources.
When Americans will have their say on Election Day in November, SEMA will highlight candidates on the ballot who share the values that make our nation great: a commitment to the free market, to pragmatic, innovative solutions and to the people who deliver such solutions and bolster the world's strongest economy each and every day.