The proposed bill, titled the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," aims to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the prohibition of selling vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). This legislation, introduced in the 119th Congress, is designed to counteract measures that could limit the sale of these engines, which are traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

General Summary

The bill seeks to stop states from implementing or enforcing standards that either directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new motor vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. To achieve this, the bill introduces changes to section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act, ensuring that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot approve waivers for state standards contradicting this principle. Furthermore, the bill mandates the EPA to revoke certain previously approved waivers effective from January 1, 2022, until the enactment of this proposed act if they conflict with the introduced criteria.

Significant Issues

Several noteworthy issues arise from this bill:

1. Ambiguity in Language: The term "direct or indirect" limitation is open to interpretation, potentially leading to disputes over what actions are considered as imposing limits on ICE sales or usage. This ambiguity might result in legal challenges as stakeholders debate the intent and scope of the provision.

2. Impact on Environmental Policies: By potentially limiting state powers, the bill could hinder efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner energy initiatives. This has broader implications for state-led environmental policy efforts and their ability to combat climate change.

3. Uncertainties Regarding EPA's Role: The legislation includes a clause that could restrict the EPA Administrator’s power to assess and approve state standards moving forward, creating uncertainty about the EPA's regulatory authority in this context.

4. Regulatory Confusion: The bill might affect existing state standards and waivers without offering clear transition guidelines, potentially causing confusion for automobile manufacturers, state governments, and consumers regarding compliance with environmental norms.

Impact on Public and Stakeholders

Public Impact: Broadly, this bill could influence consumer vehicle choices by maintaining the availability of internal combustion engine vehicles, which some consumers prefer due to current price and infrastructure advantages over electric vehicles. However, it could also delay the transition to greener technologies, affecting pollution levels and public health.

Impact on Stakeholders:

• State Governments: States with aggressive plans to cut emissions by transitioning away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles might find their initiatives blocked or hampered, potentially stalling their climate action goals.

• Automobile Manufacturers: Companies investing in electric vehicle (EV) technologies might face delayed returns if there's continued reliance on ICE vehicles. Conversely, manufacturers with robust ICE portfolios might support the bill to maintain market status.

• Environmental Groups: Organizations advocating for clean energy may oppose the bill, viewing it as a setback in efforts to combat climate change and reduce pollution.

• Consumers: Those favoring ICE vehicles for cost or convenience could benefit in the short term from sustained availability. However, consumers interested in electric vehicles and cleaner options might see slower market transitions due to policy limitations on state-led incentives for EVs.

The bill represents a critical juncture in U.S. policy where the balance between federal control and state-led innovation in environmental standards is being examined, underscoring a nuanced and potentially contentious debate over the future of vehicle emissions regulation and environmental policy.