Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Crapo, and Pete Ricketts, along with several colleagues, have introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act in response to the Biden administration's executive overreach banning gasoline-powered vehicles and establishing an electric vehicle (EV) mandate. The bill aims to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its rule that restricts consumer choice and limits the vehicles that Texans can purchase based on emissions reductions.

Senator Cruz expressed concern over the Biden administration's abuse of the executive rule-making process to push their climate agenda. He argued that the EPA's extreme electric vehicle mandate is restricting consumer choice, driving up prices, killing American manufacturing jobs, and increasing dependence on foreign adversaries like China. He emphasized the need to prioritize American energy production, economic opportunity, and national security over the Democrats' climate agenda.

The CARS Act has garnered support from Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Joe Manchin, Jim Risch, Deb Fischer, Cynthia Lummis, Katie Britt, Roger Marshall, Thom Tillis, Rick Scott, Ted Budd, Kevin Cramer, Tommy Tuberville, Mike Lee, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Roger Wicker, John Barrasso, John Boozman, Steve Daines, Joni Ernst, Tom Cotton, Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy, Dan Sullivan, Tim Scott, John Hoeven, and Mike Braun.

Representative Tim Walberg introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The EPA's draft rule, issued on April 12, 2023, titled "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles," sets stringent emissions standards for certain vehicles. If finalized, the EPA projects that over two-thirds of all new vehicles could be electric by 2032.

Critics argue that the Biden administration's push for electric vehicles threatens everyday Americans with higher costs and reduces jobs for auto workers while benefiting China, which dominates the EV supply chain.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act aims to prohibit the EPA from implementing its proposed emissions rule and using its authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of specific technology or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. It also requires the EPA to update any regulations that have limited the availability of new vehicles based on engine type since January 1, 2021, within two years. The bill aims to curb the EPA's agenda, which is seen as driving up costs and benefiting China's auto industry.

The CARS Act has garnered support from various organizations, including the American Petroleum Institute, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, National Propane Gas Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, and several others.

As the debate over electric vehicles and emissions reductions continues, the CARS Act presents a countermeasure to the Biden administration's push for EVs, highlighting concerns about consumer choice, economic impact, and national security.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-crapo-ricketts-introduce-legislation-to-halt-biden-electric-vehicles-mandate