BILL: Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 (H.R.4468)

H.R. 4468 - Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023

Bill Overview

• Title: Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023
• Introduced by: Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Miss.)
• Purpose: To prevent specific technology mandates and ensure the broad availability of vehicles regardless of engine type. 

Current Status

• The bill was passed in the House on Dec. 6, 2023, and was introduced in the Senate on Dec. 7. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. 

Key Elements of the Bill

• Technology Mandate Restrictions:
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be barred from mandating the use of specific technologies in new vehicle emissions standards.
  • The EPA's proposed rule, "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles," would impose stricter greenhouse gas standards for light and medium-duty vehicles starting with 2027 models. The bill prohibits the EPA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing this rule.
• Vehicle Availability:
  • Through an amendment to the Clean Air Act, the bill ensures regulations will not limit the availability of new vehicles based on their engine types. 
• Required EPA Regulation Revisions:
  • The bill mandates the EPA to revise regulations within 24 months to conform to the new limitations. 

Supports and Critiques

• Support for the Bill:
  • The American Petroleum Institute supports the bill, claiming the EPA's proposed rule restricts consumer choice and impacts grid reliability. 
  • The Heritage Action for America, a conservative grassroots organization, supports the bill for its preservation of consumer choice and counters the Biden administration's perceived restriction on combustion engine vehicles. 
• Opposition to the Bill: 
  • Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), a ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized the bill for stifling innovation and creating uncertainty for automakers. Pallone claimed the bill prevents technological advancements in vehicle manufacturing and argues it blocks the EPA from fulfilling its duty to reduce emissions.