Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), along with 19 Republican colleagues, have reintroduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, a bill aimed at repealing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule finalized under the Biden-Harris Administration. The legislation seeks to maintain consumer choice in vehicle purchases by preventing regulations that would limit the availability of gas-powered vehicles.
The EPA rule, titled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” sets stringent emissions standards intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The regulation effectively mandates a significant shift toward electric vehicle (EV) production, allowing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to constitute no more than 30 percent of new sales by 2032.
Supporters of the CARS Act argue that the EPA’s rule imposes undue restrictions on consumers and could lead to higher vehicle costs. Senator Britt emphasized the importance of consumer choice, stating, “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in ensuring consumers are able to choose the car that makes the most sense for their own individual circumstances, needs, and preferences.”
Critics of the EPA rule also contend that the transition to EVs could have economic implications, particularly for auto workers and industries reliant on ICE vehicles. Senator Crapo voiced concerns over the regulation’s impact on affordability, saying, “Americans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. However, the EPA’s tailpipe rule will hurt everyday Americans while simultaneously helping China.”
Advocates of the EPA’s emissions standards argue that reducing vehicle emissions is crucial for combating climate change and improving air quality. They maintain that the rule aligns with global efforts to transition toward cleaner transportation options and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The CARS Act aims not only to overturn the existing EPA rule but also to prevent future regulations that would mandate or favor specific vehicle engine types. This legislative effort follows similar initiatives led by Senator Britt and other lawmakers, including a previous attempt to block proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks.
As the debate continues, the bill’s progress through Congress will be closely watched, with lawmakers on both sides weighing the balance between environmental policy and consumer choice in the automotive market.
