ARA Co-Signed a Letter in Support of H.R. 1435, The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act
Sep 13 2023
ARA along with other organizations wrote to congress in support of H.R. 1435, The Preserving Choice in Vehicles Purchasing Act. This legislation preserves the opportunity for consumers to benefit from competitors using different vehicle technologies and fuels to reduce vehicle emissions.
According to EPA, since 1970 common pollutants from new passenger vehicles are down 99% and the air is cleaner despite an increase in the average miles traveled and a 20% increase in horsepower. These improvements were made possible by technological innovation in American agriculture, refining, vehicle production, and countless other areas along the transportation supply chain. Such improvements are the only way to reduce carbon in the existing vehicle fleet – an important goal which will be hindered by banning ICE vehicles. Further emphasizing the necessity of consumer choice when purchasing a vehicle.
Some state governments led by California have chosen policies that do the exact opposite and will be less effective than alternative, technology-neutral approaches to achieving carbon reduction goals. Through the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) regulations, California is mandating a single technology (electric vehicles (EVs)) and banning the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia already follow California’s vehicle standards, representing nearly 40 percent of the national auto market.
Diminishing consumer choice would severely impact our industries and their ability to develop technologies that improve the transportation emissions profile, while promoting energy security. American consumers should have the choice to purchase a vehicle that supports their families’ needs. Whether a vehicle is powered by petroleum fuels, biofuels, hydrogen, natural gas, electricity, or any other fuel type.
H.R. 1435 passed the House of Representatives on September 14, 2023, with a vote of 222-190.