S.1841 - Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025 aims to provide regulatory relief to alternative fuel producers and consumers. It amends the Clean Air Act to ease restrictions on aftermarket conversions of motor vehicles to alternative fuels and to prevent the Administrator from controlling biomass fuels. The Act also modifies the calculation of average fuel economy, incentivizing manufacturers to produce fuel choice enabling vehicles.
Expected Effects
This act is likely to increase the availability and use of alternative fuels by reducing regulatory burdens and providing economic incentives. It could lead to a shift in the automotive industry towards greater fuel diversity. However, it may also result in decreased environmental oversight and potentially lower emissions standards for certain vehicles.
Potential Benefits
- Increased consumer choice in fuel options.
- Potential for innovation in alternative fuel technologies.
- Reduced regulatory burden on alternative fuel producers.
- Incentives for manufacturers to produce more fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles.
- Possible reduction in reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased emissions from older vehicles converted to alternative fuels if conversions are not properly executed.
- Possible negative impacts on air quality if biomass fuels are not carefully regulated.
- Potential weakening of environmental regulations related to vehicle emissions.
- The average fuel economy bonus for fuel choice enabling manufacturers may reduce the incentive to produce highly fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles.
- Possible loopholes for manufacturers to avoid stricter emissions standards.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act primarily relates to Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it pertains to fuel standards and vehicle manufacturing. The Act's amendments to the Clean Air Act could be seen as an exercise of Congress's power to provide for the general Welfare (Preamble). However, the potential weakening of environmental regulations could raise concerns about the government's responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).