**California's Obsession with Overregulation Meets Resistance: Jay Leno and Shannon Grove Rally for Classic Cars**
In a refreshing move against California's notorious regulatory overreach, former Tonight Show host Jay Leno has teamed up with State Senator Shannon Grove to champion a bill that could preserve the state's deep-rooted automotive heritage.
On Wednesday, Grove announced the introduction of Senate Bill 712, informally dubbed “Leno’s Law,” which seeks to eliminate the onerous smog check inspections currently required for collector vehicles manufactured after 1975. This legislation is particularly significant in a state where nostalgic car enthusiasts have often found themselves boxed in by unreasonable regulations that threaten their passion and economic contributions.
“California’s classic car culture is part of our identity,” Grove stated, emphasizing the cultural ties that vintage automobiles hold in many communities. “Senate Bill 712 offers a practical solution, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without the burden of unnecessary restrictions that are driving away collectors and businesses alike.”
Leno, an avid car collector weighing in with his experience of owning an astonishing collection of over 180 vehicles, echoed Grove's sentiments. He believes that the smog check laws need modernization to reflect the genuine rarity and careful maintenance of these vehicles. For most collectors, their prized classics typically remain in garages rather than being road-driven, leading to an argument that these machines are not a significant contribution to California's pollution issues.
Supporters of the bill argue that these “rolling pieces of history” provide thousands of jobs through the aftermarket parts industry, which could also face decline should regulations continue to drive enthusiasts out of the state. “These vehicles represent only a fraction of the cars on the road,” Mike Spagnola, CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, noted, while supporting the bill as a means to protect these automotive treasures for future generations.
In a time when Californians are increasingly looking for relief from excessive regulation, Grove and Leno’s initiative stands as a beacon of hope for those who cherish their cars and the memories tied to them. This legislation is not merely about classic cars; it represents the broader struggle against a state government often seen as suffocating individual freedoms and passions with its endless regulations.
As California grapples with glaring issues such as air quality and the economy, it is refreshing to see figures like Grove and Leno advocating for common-sense solutions that don't compromise the state's unique cultural background—one where classic cars are not only vehicles but are cherished symbols of freedom, history, and creativity.
Perhaps in standing up to the Governor's office and their bureaucratic zeal, this team is casting a much-needed light on the notion that preserving our culture and heritage is just as vital as enforcing environmental regulations. Californians deserve the right to pursue their passions without fear of punitive measures—let’s hope this bill finds the support it deserves in the legislature.
Sources:
mensjournal.comindependentsentinel.comlewrockwell.com