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NAR/TRA Joint Statement on ATF Lawsuit |
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2002 Archived News by TRA/NAR Joint Task Force
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Monday, March 04, 2002 |
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In mid-January 2002, we received multiple reports of increased demands made by ATF inspectors on NAR and TRA members with Low Explosive User Permits.
In particular, these inspectors demanded motor types whose propellant grains consisted of 62.5 gram and smaller units, generally referred to as "easy access", now be subject to the magazine and record keeping requirements of larger motors if the propellant are designed or intended to be combined and used in a rocket motor whose total propellant weight is greater than 62.5 grams. Our members received at least two instances of written notice of this completely unexpected change in regulation. After consultation with counsel, we also discovered that ATF had filed a motion for summary judgment against three out of four counts in our complaint.
After further review by counsel, on Wednesday, February 27, 2002, the NAR and TRA filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against ATF. We asked that this illegal change in regulation be rescinded and that any further attempts at unwarranted and illegal regulation of the sport rocket hobby be stayed while our complaint was before the court. Our counsel has been unusually through and complete in the preparation of our motion, and we believe we have an extremely strong legal case to present to the court, particularly in light of ATF's action against our members in January.
As we have further information on this situation, we will provide it at our websites. Those wishing to further contribute to this legal effort may do so by clicking here. We appreciate your constant moral and financial support as we continue to work to secure an unregulated, safe sport rocket hobby.
Mark Bundick, President, National Association of Rocketry
Bruce Kelly, President, Tripoli Rocketry Association
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