H.R.346 - Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 346, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," aims to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The bill seeks to restrict states from adopting standards that directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new ICE vehicles. It also mandates the EPA to revoke any waivers granted under Section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act if they do not comply with the new restrictions on state standards related to ICE vehicles.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would limit the ability of states to set stricter vehicle emission standards than the federal government, specifically targeting efforts to phase out ICE vehicles. States that have already adopted or are considering adopting California's vehicle emission standards, which include targets for electric vehicle adoption, would be affected. The EPA would be required to revoke existing waivers that conflict with the bill's provisions.
Potential Benefits
- Preserves consumer choice in vehicle purchases by ensuring ICE vehicles remain available.
- Protects jobs in industries related to the production and maintenance of ICE vehicles.
- Prevents potential disruptions to the automotive industry and supply chain.
- May lead to lower vehicle costs for consumers, as ICE vehicles are generally less expensive than electric vehicles.
- Could maintain a more diverse energy portfolio by continuing reliance on traditional fuels.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
- Could slow the transition to electric vehicles and cleaner transportation technologies.
- Potentially leads to increased air pollution and negative health impacts.
- Limits state autonomy in addressing local environmental concerns.
- May stifle innovation in the electric vehicle industry by reducing market demand.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. The extent to which the Clean Air Act preempts state environmental regulations has been a subject of ongoing legal debate. This bill could be viewed as an assertion of federal power over state environmental policy, potentially raising Tenth Amendment concerns if it unduly infringes on a state's ability to address local pollution issues.
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).