From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
President Donald Trump kept a key campaign promise yesterday, using his executive powers on day one of his new administration to halt federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates.
SEMA, on behalf of its more than 7,000 members in the automotive aftermarket industry and the nation's millions of automotive enthusiasts, applauds and thanks President Trump for keeping this important promise.
The organization now calls on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet its obligation to the American people by sending the Clean Air Act waivers granted to California to Congress to begin the Congressional Review Act oversight process. These waivers are not narrowly focused, as some in the EPA claim; rather, these waivers have broad, national implications, and Congress should have the opportunity to review the final rules and overturn any waiver that grants California the power to set national policies on carbon emissions.
"On day one of his new administration, President Trump reclaimed the nation's freedom of vehicle choice, proclaiming the authority of the United States of America, rather than the so-called United States of California, to set national policies. SEMA thanks President Trump for his bold, decisive actions to deliver the will of the American people: a commitment to innovation, a belief in the freedom of vehicle choice and a strong faith in the power of American ingenuity," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA now urges the EPA to submit the California waivers over to Congress so our lawmakers can utilize their Congressional Review Act authority to pull the plug on dangerous EV mandates."
SEMA champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, SEMA, through the Driving Force Action SuperPAC, educated voters about the damaging impact of EV mandates, and the profound importance of empowering the automotive aftermarket to develop innovative solutions to carbon emissions using American ingenuity.