STATE UPDATE

 

Connecticut—Internal Combustion Engine Ban: Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont withdrew a SEMA-opposed regulation that would have required the state to adopt California’s strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. Governor Lamont, however, has not abandoned the pursuit of more stringent emissions standards. He has indicated that he will address the issue by seeking legislative action in 2024. SEMA believes Connecticut residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.

Delaware—Internal Combustion Engine Ban: In a surprising move, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control finalized regulations adopting California’s latest motor-vehicle emissions laws through 2032 but stopped short of banning the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars beginning in 2035. This initiative requires automakers to deliver an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for sale in Delaware, reaching 82% by model-year ’32. However, the initial proposal envisioned a 100% ZEV target by 2035.

Ohio—Internal Combustion Engine Ban: The Ohio legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation to prevent any state or local government unit from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including internal combustion engines. The bill now awaits approval or veto from Governor Mike DeWine. The bill represents a significant step forward for proponents of consumer choice, who believe individuals should have the right to select the vehicles that best fit their lifestyle and budget, regardless of fuel type.

 

FEDERAL UPDATE

 

 

CARS Act: The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 4468, the “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act,” with bipartisan support (221 to 197). The SEMA-supported bill would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing the agency’s proposed federal emissions standards for model years ‘27 to ‘32 light- and medium-duty motor vehicles, which intends for electric vehicles (EVs) to make up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The CARS Act also prevents the EPA from implementing motor-vehicle emissions regulations in the future that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type.

• Most Americans do not support the Biden Administration’s rush to electrify motor vehicles. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers’ national survey that found 60% of likely voters oppose the EPA’s proposed EV mandates. A further breakdown of likely voters found that the overwhelming majority of Republicans (87%) and Independents (61%) oppose the EPA’s de facto internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, while Democrats are split on the matter (41% support, 32% oppose and 27% undecided).
• HR 4468 awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee along with its bipartisan Senate companion bill, S 3094.

 

Outdoor Recreation: The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced HR 6492, the “Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act.” This bipartisan public lands and recreation bill expands on S 873, the “America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023” (AORA), and
includes SEMA-supported key provisions from AORA. The EXPLORE Act increases opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, streamlines permitting for recreation, improves visitor experiences, creates new opportunities for recreation, addresses the lack of affordable housing that is causing staffing shortages on public lands, and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families.

• The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the EXPLORE Act and the bill is expected to move swiftly through the full Natural Resources Committee. SEMA is advocating in support of the EXPLORE Act because the bill will improve and expand America’s outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities.

 

Right to Repair: HR 906, the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act” (REPAIR Act), currently awaits consideration in the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee. SEMA and its coalition partners continue to advocate for the bill and engage with lawmakers to address the presented amendments that were ultimately withdrawn before the House E&C Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce passed the bill in November. SEMA is working to expand the REPAIR Act to ensure that it protects the right to modify your motor vehicle. The SEMA-supported REPAIR Act would ensure automotive enthusiasts, aftermarket parts manufacturers and repair shops have access to the information and tools needed to maintain and personalize vehicles as automotive technology evolves.

• The bill currently has 48 bipartisan co-sponsors

evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. SEMA thanks Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) for championing this important bill and bringing together all active stakeholders to ensure that the bill protects consumer choice and maintains competition in the vehicle repair and maintenance market.

 

Washington Rally: The 2024 SEMA and PRI Washington Rally will take place on May 8–9 in Washington, D.C. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI members to meet face-to-face with your U.S. Senators, Representatives and key congressional aides to discuss the issues that matter most to your business and the industry. Whether it’s protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, combating vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice, or protecting motorized access to federal government lands, SEMA and PRI members face many issues in our nation’s capital.

With the 2024 presidential election heating up and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it’s more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry! To register or for more information, go to sema.org/washington-rally or contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.