The U.S. House of Representatives announced that it will vote on the Choice in Automobile Sales (CARS) Act.
The bill, supported by SEMA, aims to prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing their proposed federal admissions standards for light and medium duty motor vehicles model years '27 to '32. This intends for electric vehicles (EVs) to make up 67 percent of all new vehicles sales by 2032. Additionally, the CARS Act would prevent future EPA motor-vehicle emmisions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type.
SEMA's reasons for opposing the EPA's efforts are as follows:
- The EPA's proposed rulemaking seeks to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to become the only option for automakers to produce.
- A shift to BEVs threatens the 55 percent of SEMA-member companies that produce internal combustion engines (ICE) related components and parts.
- EPA's multipollutant standards proposal doesn't allow consumers to purchase vehicles that best suit the needs of their families, according to SEMA.
- SEMA believes this proposal has the potential to hurt Americans who disproportionately live in multi-family housing, who will face the greatest challenges in charging their vehicles.
- SEMA also believes it could adversely affect people living in rural parts of the country with limited EV infrastructure and people who drive long distances for work and other daily necessities.
The CARS Act hopes to protect Americans' right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles.
