Owens Supports Legislation to Preserve Americans’ Choice in Purchasing Vehicles

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) co-sponsored the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, legislation to protect American consumers’ freedom of choice and block stringent purchase requirements that would lead to higher costs.

“Families in Utah and across the country depend on affordable, safe, and reliable vehicles,” said Rep. Owens. “California’s proposal to ban traditional gas-powered cars has implications for the nation and will raise prices for low-income households and limit the rights of every American to purchase the vehicle of their choice. I am proud to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act to safeguard the freedom of choice for all Americans from these harmful policies.”

Background:

On August 25, 2022, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to place stringent new requirements on automakers that would effectively ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and light trucks by 2035 in favor of so-called “zero-emission vehicles” (ZEV), like plug-in hybrid, full battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. To proceed with its plans to ban ICE vehicles, California would need a waiver of Clean Air Act preemption provisions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). CARB has readily admitted that this action will extend beyond its state borders, with 17 other states bound to follow California’s standards. This would constitute 40 percent of the entire nation’s new car sales.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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