U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) has introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035. The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. The bill is critically important to stopping CARB’s plans to ban ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive federal preemption provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to go into effect.

“PRI and SEMA believe that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them,” said PRI and SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “While electric vehicle technology expands clean transportation options, PRI and SEMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry that has helped make the internal-combustion engine a reliable, affordable and clean option for millions of consumers.”

It is critically important that the EPA does not permit CARB’s ZEV regulations to take effect, as it could lead to 17 other states that have followed all or part of California’s previous clean-car rules adopting similar proposals. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zero-emissions vehicles made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles. However, the rule does not impact the sale or use of used diesel- or gas-powered vehicles already on the road.

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative that asks them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.