Regulatory and Legal Reform

In a victory for manufacturers, the House yesterday passed an NAM-backed bill that would prohibit states from banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles, the Washington Examiner reports.

What’s going on: “Lawmakers voted 222–190 to pass the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which would amend federal law to block state attempts to eliminate the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines as well as prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing waivers that ban such sales.”

The background: In recent months, the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and state of California have all proposed measures to limit emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles.

Why it’s important: The range of frequently conflicting regulations is creating confusion and regulatory uncertainty for manufacturers.

• The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would eliminate that confusion by “harmoniz[ing] vehicle emissions standards,” NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram told lawmakers. “When manufacturers have regulatory clarity, we can focus on what we do best—innovating, creating jobs and investing in America.”

What’s next: The measure now moves to the Senate.