WASHINGTON DC (09/14/2023) – Today, the House passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, by a vote of 222-190. H.R. 1435 prevents states like California – or any other state – from banning internal combustion vehicles. The CA waiver authority in the Clean Air Act was never intended to give regulators the ability to ban gas-powered cars and trucks. This measure simply reinforces that position.
AEA President Thomas Pyle, a founding member of the Save Our Cars Coalition, issued the following statement after House passage of the bill:
“Today, the House voted to preserve for American families the freedom to choose cars and trucks that best suit their individual lifestyles and needs and encourage fair competition and consumer choice in the automotive industry.
The passage of this legislation is an important first step in restoring sanity in the regulatory process and a sign that Congress has no appetite for allowing unelected bureaucrats in California to raise costs and reduce choice for the rest of us. Banning the cars and trucks that most Americans prefer would add even more to the price tag of vehicles that are already at record highs, making it more difficult for families and individuals to own cars.
I’m baffled that any Member of Congress could possibly oppose this commonsense legislation. You can’t claim to represent working-class Americans while supporting a ban on gasoline-powered cars and trucks at the same time. I applaud the few Democrats who were willing to upset their corporate cronies, union bosses, and Big Green donors by supporting this legislation. It is a hopeful sign that there is a little bit of sanity in the Democratic party.”
Additional Resources:
- AEA and 31 Other Orgs Join Fight to Save Our Cars
- Save Our Cars Coalition Website
- Limiting California’s Waiver is Still Not a Federalism Issue
For media inquiries please contact:
THOMAS.PYLE@ENERGYDC.ORG