S.996 - Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.996, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025," aims to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). The bill seeks to limit the ability of states to set standards that directly or indirectly restrict the sale or use of new ICE vehicles. It also addresses the scope of waivers granted to states under Section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act, particularly those granted after January 1, 2022.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict states' abilities to implement stricter vehicle emission standards that could lead to a phase-out of ICE vehicles. It could also lead to the revocation of existing waivers granted to states that have adopted such standards. This would likely result in a continued reliance on ICE vehicles and potentially slower adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Potential Benefits
- Preserves consumer choice in vehicle purchases.
- Protects jobs related to the manufacturing and sale of ICE vehicles.
- May lead to lower vehicle costs, as ICE vehicles are generally cheaper than EVs.
- Could prevent disruptions to the automotive industry and related supply chains.
- Supports energy independence by allowing for the continued use of diverse fuel sources.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May slow down the transition to cleaner transportation technologies.
- Could lead to higher levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- May hinder states' efforts to address climate change and improve air quality.
- Could stifle innovation in the EV sector.
- Potentially exposes the US to international criticism for not addressing climate change aggressively enough.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause). The Clean Air Act itself is based on this power. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could include setting environmental standards within their borders. The bill attempts to limit state authority in this area, raising questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
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).