BREAKING NEWS
EPA Pursues New Emissions Standards to Spur Transition to Electric Vehicles
SEMA Reacts to EPA's New Federal Emissions Standards
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola released the following statement in regards to the Biden administration's strict new greenhouse gas emissions standards announced yesterday:
On behalf of more than 7,000 SEMA members, we have significant concerns regarding the impact of these proposed regulations on automotive small businesses. The specialty aftermarket industry supports more than one million U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs, yet these people and businesses are often overlooked in the push to electrify our automotive sector.
We fully support the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but actively advocate for the ability of consumers and the marketplace to choose what works best for them. There are many options on the road to zero emissions, and we feel it is crucial for government policy to remain technology neutral. The specialty automotive aftermarket business has been built around the internal combustion engine. It is also the same industry that has led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies. Yet it is clear from the Biden administration's actions and words that electrification is their technology of choice.
This large-scale shift will significantly disrupt automotive industry supply chains and potentially eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops. We are here to support the work of small business innovators while protecting the small business owners and those they employ by letting the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve.
BACKGROUND
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new federal emissions standards intended to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years. While these rules are not yet finalized and subject to approval, the agency’s target is clear: two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States should be EVs by 2032.
- California is already pursuing stricter greenhouse gas standards with a goal that 70% of new vehicles sold in the state will be zero-emissions vehicles by 2030. The Golden State is also seeking to completely ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This is significant, as 17 other states have followed all or part of California's previous clean-car rules.
- SIGN THE LETTER NOW — U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) 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 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 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.
SEMA advocates for the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them. There are many options on the road to zero emissions, and it is crucial for government policy to remain technology neutral. The specialty automotive aftermarket business has been built around the internal combustion engine. It is also the same industry that has led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies. Yet it is clear from the Biden administration's actions and words that electrification is their technology of choice. Hydrogen and other renewable fuels, including synthetic eFuels, will allow legacy vehicles to operate in a carbon-neutral manner. Ultimately, consumers, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them and their families.
The EPA’s proposal is now subject to public comment. Stay tuned for updates on this important topic.
Legislative Alerts
New Mexico Anti-Enthusiast Bills Defeated
West Virginia Governor Signs Antique Fleet Program into Law
UPDATE: Tennessee Legislature Passes Favorably Amended Exhaust Noise Bill
UPDATE: Texas Advances Bills to Protect Power Plant and Fuel Choice
UPDATE: Missouri Advances Bill to Exempt Older Vehicles from State and Local Sales Tax
North Carolina Advances Bill to Prohibit Internal Combustion Engine Ban
Wisconsin Introduces Bill Supporting Internal Combustion Engines
California Introduces Bill to Legalize Cruising
Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Proclaim July 2023 as "Automotive Heritage Month"
U.S. House of Representatives Bill Introduced to Stop California's Car Ban
LAW & ORDER
SEMA-Supported Bill to Expand Outdoor Recreation Introduced in U.S. Senate
The bipartisan America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA), S. 873, was reintroduced in the 118th Congress by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY). This SEMA-supported public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963 that will improve and expand America’s outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. The bill requires federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, and it includes provisions to streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits. The bill also directs the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed and where they are prohibited, as well as to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.
SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, urge swift approval of AORA so that many more Americans can enjoy outdoor spaces and their associated benefits to health and wellness. Studies have shown that enjoying time outside helps benefit a person's mental and physical health. Additionally, outdoor recreation is a key driver of the U.S. economy with an $862 billion annual economic impact. It is also a major employer throughout the country providing 4.5 million American jobs.
