By Lauren Fix
We discussed the bill passed in the House of Representatives to stop the gas vehicle ban.
Here is an interesting update. Joe Manchin a democrat from Kentucky introduces Senate legislation that would prohibit regulations mandating specific technologies or restricting vehicles based on engine type.
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., are leading a coalition of 25 Senate Republicans who have introduced legislation to block implementation of the EPA’s tailpipe emissions rules.
The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act (CARS), which was introduced last week, is a companion to a House bill introduced in July by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich. If passed, the legislation would strike down an ambitious EPA proposal introduced in April that would require as much as 67% of new sedans, crossovers and light trucks to be electric by 2032.
Additionally, the rules would require 50% of new buses and garbage trucks, 35% of new short-haul freight trucks and 25% of new long-haul freight trucks to be electric by 2032.
The CARS Act, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., would also prohibit regulations that mandate the use of a specific technology or limit the availability of new vehicles based on their engine type.
The average price of an EV is over $17,000 more than the average price of a gas-powered vehicle, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. The Administration’s continued push for EVs threatens to hurt everyday Americans and costs auto workers their jobs while simultaneously helping China, given that China continues to dominate the EV supply chain.
The House companion bill received support from various industry groups, including the American Petroleum Institute, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers.
The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act:
- Would prohibit the EPA from finalizing, implementing or enforcing its proposed emissions rule.
- Would prohibit the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or that limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine type. This includes any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021.
- Would require the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine within two years; and
- Would end the EPA’s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America’s auto industry to China.
Automotive industry groups have also spoken out against the EPA rules.
The National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) called the rules “too far, too fast” and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said they are “neither reasonable nor achievable in the time frame provided.” The NADA filed comments opposing the rule and endorsed Walberg’s and Crapo’s bill.
The big question is why would the government push too hard and too fast to go all electric if consumers are not buying in on this push? Is there an ulterior motive?
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
