House GOP Introduces Bill to Halt Biden’s EV Agenda

This week, the House of Representatives approved the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, a measure aimed at thwarting the Biden administration’s stringent tailpipe emission regulations, criticized by many as an indirect push towards electric vehicles (EVs).

The proposed initiative by the Environmental Protection Agency sought to mandate that nearly two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2032 be electric. Additionally, it proposed the most rigorous tailpipe emission standards for vehicles spanning the 2027 to 2032 model years. Although not explicitly an EV mandate, Republicans argued that the regulation penalizes traditional gas-powered engines and compels consumers beyond free-market dynamics to opt for EVs.

On Wednesday, the bipartisan-backed CARS Act, led by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), successfully passed in the House. The legislation aims to counteract the perceived overreach of emissions regulations and safeguard consumers’ freedom to choose vehicles aligning with their preferences.

Rep. Walberg remarked, “Just last week, nearly 4,000 car dealers appealed to the Biden administration to reconsider their EV mandate, citing a lack of consumer demand. Today, with the passage of the CARS Act, the House demonstrated that we are responsive to these concerns.”

He continued, “Rather than constraining American car manufacturers and compelling families to buy vehicles incongruent with their lifestyle, potentially pricing many out of the market, we should promote consumer choice.”

“The CARS Act victory benefits not only consumers but the entire auto industry, from the workers in my district producing engines to dealers meeting demand for various vehicles. We must be realistic, recognizing that while EVs may have a significant role in the future, Washington should not dismiss other technologies such as hydrogen, hybrids, and internal combustion engines. The CARS Act has garnered bipartisan support in the Senate, urging prompt consideration and a vote,” he added.

The American Tribune highlighted a recent open letter from thousands of car dealers to President Biden, urging a reconsideration of the administration’s aggressive EV agenda. The letter emphasized that the current EV initiatives do not align with existing consumer demand or the lacking infrastructure hindering widespread EV adoption.

The letter stated, “Electric vehicles are suitable for many, and we anticipate their appeal will grow. However, the current reality is that electric vehicle demand does not match the influx of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) arriving at our dealerships due to prevailing regulations. BEVs are accumulating on our lots.”

Addressing President Biden, the letter concluded, “It’s time to ease off on the unrealistic government EV mandate. Allow battery technology to advance, make BEVs more affordable, develop domestic sources for battery minerals, build reliable charging infrastructure, and most importantly, give the American consumer time to embrace the technology and choose to adopt electric vehicles.”