East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo from Idaho has reintroduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, aiming to preserve consumer access to affordable and reliable vehicles of their choice. The legislation seeks to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule finalized under the Biden-Harris Administration. This rule is described as an aggressive proposal pushing for mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) while phasing out gas-powered cars and trucks.

Senator Crapo criticized the previous administration's approach, stating, "The rule-making process under the previous Administration pushed a radical green agenda that harmed consumer choice in the automobile industry." He emphasized that such regulations restrict consumer options and increase costs for American families.

The bill has garnered support from industry groups such as the American Petroleum Institute and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. Chet Thompson, President and CEO of American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, commented on the regulation, saying it effectively bans most gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. He added, "Congress never provided EPA with such sweeping authority," supporting Senator Crapo's initiative to preserve consumer choice.

Kristin Whitman from the American Petroleum Institute also voiced concerns about the EPA's mandate, which she claims limits consumer choices and increases dependence on China. She expressed gratitude towards Senator Crapo for his efforts to reverse this mandate.

Under current EPA rules titled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” internal combustion engine vehicles would be limited to 30 percent of new sales by 2032. Critics argue that EV mandates could negatively impact everyday Americans financially while benefiting China due to its dominance in the EV supply chain.

The CARS Act proposes several measures including rescinding the EPA tailpipe emissions rule, prohibiting future regulations mandating specific technologies or limiting vehicle availability based on engine type since January 1, 2021, requiring updates to existing regulations within two years if they limit vehicle availability based on engine type, and ending what is described as a radical agenda driving up costs.

Co-sponsors of this bill include Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming).