OPPOSING ATV Weight Limit Increase to 3,000 lbs.-HF 1763 & SF 1713
The ATV weight increase to 3,000 lbs. is back in the legislature and we need to oppose it as strongly as we did last year !
Proponents are saying again that this weight increase is needed for the battery for electric ATVs. HOWEVER, the legislation is not written for electric ATVs. It is written for ANY ATV! ATVs that weigh more than a Toyota Corolla at 2995 lbs. could access a trail if this passes.
PLEASE WRITE TO THE BELOW LISTS of SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES.
The Bills are HF 1763 and SF 1713. Easy to follow instructions below.
There is a sample email below with some lines you can include. Of course, please add your own concerns if you like !
It can be brief– the important thing is to send the emails NOW!
You’ll send two separate emails, one to Representatives and one to Senators. Include your own legislators if they are not listed here.
All emails are listed below- you just need to copy & paste. EASY. Be sure to sign your name and address.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to protect our forests, wild and aquatic life !
HOUSE
SUBJECT: PLEASE OPPOSE HF 1763- ATV WEIGHT LIMIT INCREASE
Dear Chair Hansen, Vice Chair Jordan and Honorable Representatives,
PLEASE OPPOSE HF 1763 to increase the ATV weight limit to 3,000 lbs.
(Add your own thoughts here)
Send to:
rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov
rep.sydney.jordan@house.mn.gov
rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov
rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.gov
rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov
rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov
rep.fue.lee@house.mn.gov
rep.kristi.pursell@house.mn. gov
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov
rep.liz.olson@house.mn.gov
SENATE
Subject: PLEASE OPPOSE SF 1713 to Increase the ATV WEIGHT LIMIT
Dear Chair Hawj, Vice Chair McEwen and Honorable Senators,
Please OPPOSE SF 1713 to increase the ATV weight limit to 3,000 lbs.
(Add your thoughts here)
Send to:
sen.foung.hawj@senate.mn
sen.jennifer.mcewen@senate.mn
sen.kelly.morrison@senate.mn
sen.mary.kunesh@senate.mn
sen.grant.hauschild@senate.mn
sen. john.hoffman@senate.mn
Plus, send notes to your own Representative and Senator!
SAMPLE LETTER:
In May 2022 the public strongly REJECTED this weight increase in comments to this Star
Tribune article on the weight increase. Every comment out of 215 comments was negative! IN
comparison to the average 15 responses to articles, this was a significant negative reaction by
the public to an increase in ATV weight limits.
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-lawmakers-consider-allowing-bigger-heavier-atvs/600171377/
IF this Bill passes, ANY 3,000 lb gas combustion vehicle can access our public lands. A Toyota
Corolla weighs this much! The Bill is not written for electric vehicles.
Polaris states that consumers want enclosed cabs for air conditioning and heating systems and
to avoid the dust. A cab increases the vehicle weight load which is why Polaris also wants the
weight increase—for new product.
Increased weight increases soil erosion, sedimentation run off and dust pollution to our waters.
Sensitive, cold water species such as our state fish the walleye and brook trout need cold, clear
waters for survival.
- Trail maintenance is already an issue. New machines are so powerful they can really tear up
a trail. https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/new-prospector-atv- spur-joins-growing-northland-trail-network - We cannot take care of what we have. DNR has $177 million in maintenance back log.
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/legislativeinfo/policy-budget- factsheets/2019/10yr-cap-asset-plan2019.pdf pg. 15 table - Electric Vehicles already exist that weigh 1762 lbs. Polaris makes the EV Ranger. Consumers
have this option. EVs have more power, torque and force factors to disturb soil . Smaller, lighter
electric batteries are in development that can be used for future electric off road vehicles.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here