Interpretation ID: aiam1892
House of Representatives
Washington
DC 20515;
Dear Mr. Forsythe: This is in response to your letter of March 31, 1975, requestin information concerning correspondence from one of your constituents, Mr. Anthony N. D'Elia, commenting on a proposed amendment to the Federal Bumper Standard.; On January 2, 1975, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administratio (NHTSA) issued a Federal Register Notice (copy enclosed) proposing to reduce the current 5 mph bumper impact requirements to 2.5 mph until the 1979 model year. The impact requirements would have been increased to 4 mph for 1979 and later model year cars.; The proposal was based primarily on the results of two agency sponsored studies which indicated that the cost and weight of many current production bumpers, in light of inflation and fuel shortages, made the bumpers no longer cost beneficial. Information presented at public hearings on the bumper notice and comments submitted to the docket in response to the proposal have brought to light additional data. The NHTSA has carefully examined all of this evidence and reviewed its studies in light of the new information. As a result, the agency has concluded that the 5 mph protection level should not be reduced. This decision is contained in a Federal Register notice that was published March 12, 1975, which is enclosed (Docket No. 74-11, Notice 7, Docket No. 73-19, Notice 6).; Another public hearing was held on April 4, 1975, to allow ora presentation of views on the March 12 notice. The agency is currently examining the information gathered at that proceeding in addition to the written comments that have been submitted. The next step in our rulemaking process will be based on all of the data available.; Your interest and that of Mr. D'Elia is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, James C. Schultz, Chief Counsel