A group of Republican senators has introduced legislation aimed at preventing regulations that discourage the purchase of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, spearheaded by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and co-sponsored by several colleagues, seeks to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to grant waivers to states looking to restrict or ban internal combustion engine vehicles.
The bill directly challenges the Clean Air Act's provision allowing the EPA to grant California waivers for stricter emissions standards than those set federally. Senator Mullin argues that California's waivers are less about clean energy and more about control, criticizing Democrats for wanting to dictate consumer choices, including what cars people drive. He emphasized that banning gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric vehicles, which can strain the power grid, isn't a viable clean energy solution. The proposed legislation aims to empower consumers to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs and let market forces guide the automotive industry.
In 2022, the EPA reinstated California's authority to set its own emissions standards and electric vehicle mandates, reversing a Trump-era decision. Subsequently, California approved regulations requiring all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Seventeen other states have linked their vehicle emissions standards to California's, amplifying the potential impact of the mandate nationwide. These states collectively represent over 40% of all U.S. car purchases.
Senator Mullin further highlighted the continued dominance of internal combustion engine vehicles in the market and expressed concerns about national security implications related to dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries. He stressed his commitment to preventing the federal government from dictating consumer choices in Oklahoma, especially when national security is at stake. The Senate bill mirrors legislation introduced in the House earlier this year. Representative John Joyce (R-PA), the House bill's sponsor, argued against California setting national policy and emphasized the importance of consumer choice.
