That story jumps all over the place.
1) Was anything decided at the ATV meeting? Did Mullan's comments somehow sway any policy decisions, or was he merely giving voice to decisions that were already made? AFAICS, the story doesn't say.
2) The administration executes, or should execute, laws that Congress passes. How they do it is up to them (e.g. they can have different emphasis than their predecessors). We know that there was little effective oversight of the Administration over the past 6.5 years. But Congress funds agencies and sets the mandates. The administration then makes rules based on those laws. Ultimately, these issues will change when Congress changes them.
3) There's nothing new about policy arguments inside an agency, and there's nothing new about political appointees wanting to radically change an agency (e.g. James Watt under Reagan).
Congress can tell the CPSC to ban sales of ATVs to children; remember [link|http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,966434,00.html|3-wheelers were outlawed in 1988]. But there are always ways around that. Honda already recommends that only [link|http://powersports.honda.com/popups/popup_text.asp?Category=BE+A+RESPONSIBLE+RIDER&SubCategory=Sport+ATV&w=539&h=342&bhcp=1|highly experienced riders 16 and over] ride their more powerful 4-wheelers:
Safety
Be a responsible rider. Riding an ATV is an exercise in responsibility\ufffdto yourself, to others and to the environment. So remember, ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing, and never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Never carry passengers, and never engage in stunt riding. Avoid excessive speeds, and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. And keep in mind that riding doesn't mix with drugs or alcohol. The TRX450R, TRX400EX and TRX300EX are recommended only for highly experienced riders 16 years and older. The TRX250EX is recommended only for riders 16 years and older. The TRX90 is recommended only for riders 12 years of age and older, and riders younger than 16 years of age must be supervised by an adult. Honda recommends that all ATV riders take a training course and read their owner's manual thoroughly. New ATV purchasers should take advantage of free ASI training and completion incentives. For safety or training information, see your Honda Dealer or call the ASI at (800) 887-2887. Whenever you ride off-road, follow the "Tread Lightly" guidelines, and always stay on established trails in approved areas. Keep your riding areas clean and respect the rights of others. Never modify your silencer or spark arrestor. Always obtain written permission before riding on private lands, and obey all the laws and regulations governing your riding areas.
I assume it's similar with other manufacturers.
I think a bigger problem than kids riding ATVs they can't handle, or safety caps on hair relaxers, or jambing BB guns, is the gutting of the CPSC over time. But Congress hasn't prevented it. Why hasn't Public Citizen, or some other group, brought a lawsuit? Or have they? The story doesn't say.
In short, the NY Times story points out some problems, but it makes a cartoon of the issues. It doesn't present enough information to do much more than confirm the readers's suspicions, IMHO.
Why does the story only briefly mention, near the end of the long article, the fact that the CPSC was [link|http://www.ombwatch.org/article/blogs/entry/3720/22|unable to conduct regulatory business since January due to the lack of a quorum]?
Cheers,
Scott.
(Who hates safety caps on pill bottles. They should be available for households with small children, but the rest of the population shouldn't have to suffer with them.)