8 House Democrats join GOP to oppose California’s EV mandate.
House Democrats Join Republicans in Passing Bill Opposing California’s EV Mandate
In a surprising move, eight House Democrats broke ranks on Thursday to vote with Republicans in favor of a bill that challenges California’s environmental regulations requiring the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act received approval from the House with a vote of 222–190, gaining support from both Republicans and these eight Democrats.
The legislation, initially introduced by Republican lawmakers led by Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.) in March, has gained traction in the energy industry. Proponents argue that EV mandates could have a negative impact on the economy and infringe on consumer choice.
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“The House has passed my legislation to stop California’s ban on gas-powered cars,” exclaimed Mr. Joyce. “Today’s vote is a victory for American consumers and personal freedom.”
Although the bill does not explicitly mention California, the Clean Air Act grants the state the authority to establish stricter emissions rules than those set by the federal government, as long as they receive approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In March 2022, the EPA reinstated California’s ability to enforce its emission standards and EV sales mandate under the Clean Air Act. Additionally, it allowed other states to adopt California’s regulations.
If enacted, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would prevent the EPA from approving states’ attempts to ban or restrict internal combustion engine vehicles.
Mr. Joyce’s motivation for the bill stems from a decision by a California air-quality board to effectively ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. He aims to block any future attempts to ban vehicles with internal combustion engines.
According to Mr. Joyce, many states follow California’s lead on air pollution rules, which means that the state’s actions could force automakers to halt the production and sale of gas-powered vehicles. He firmly believes that “California regulators shouldn’t have the power to determine what vehicles are sold to families in Pennsylvania.”
Mr. Joyce has argued that electric vehicles cannot meet the demands of his constituents, especially in the mountainous regions of his constituency with harsh winters and intense heat. He emphasizes that his bill provides the option to purchase an EV rather than mandating it.
While the bill’s approval in the House is a significant step, it may face challenges in the Democrat-led Senate. The White House has already expressed its opposition to the bill, stating that it would restrict California’s ability to address its air pollution challenges.
“The Administration strongly opposes passage of H.R. 1435,” the statement reads (pdf). The White House argues that Congress has long protected California’s authority to tackle air quality issues and allowed other states to follow suit.
The passage of this bill coincides with a potential strike by American auto workers. The United Auto Workers union has raised concerns about EVs, accusing major automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis of using the shift to EVs to lower wages.
Former President Donald Trump has capitalized on these concerns, strongly criticizing the Biden administration’s EV plan to gain support in Michigan, a state where the automotive sector holds significant economic importance.
As negotiations continue, the UAW has threatened to strike all three automakers if a deal is not reached by midnight on Thursday. Ford CEO Jim Farley has warned that the union’s wage increase demands could bankrupt the company.
The eight House Democrats who voted alongside Republicans are Reps. Yadira Caraveo of New Mexico, Jim Costa of California, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Donald Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Brian Higgins of New York, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, and Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico.
How does the divide within the Democratic Party over this bill reflect the challenges of balancing environmental concerns with economic interests and consumer choice
Es that EVs have limited range and longer charging times, making them impractical for residents who rely on their vehicles for long commutes or off-road travel.
Critics of the bill argue that it undermines efforts to combat climate change and reduce emissions. California has been a leader in promoting clean energy and reducing air pollution, and their EV mandate is seen as a crucial step towards achieving environmental goals. They argue that by opposing California’s regulations, the bill sets a dangerous precedent and restricts states’ ability to take action on climate change.
The divide in the Democratic Party over this bill highlights the complexities of balancing environmental concerns with economic interests and consumer choice. Some Democrats who voted in favor of the bill represent districts with strong ties to the auto industry or have concerns about the economic impact of the EV mandate. The bill’s passage in the House demonstrates the influence of these concerns and the power of bipartisan alliances in shaping legislation.
The fate of the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act now rests in the hands of the Senate. Its passage in the House is a significant development, but it remains to be seen whether it will gain the necessary support in the Senate to become law. The bill’s opponents are likely to mobilize efforts to block it, emphasizing the importance of California’s EV mandate in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable transportation.
As the debate continues, the question of how best to address climate change and transportation emissions remains at the forefront. Supporters argue that EVs offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, while opponents raise concerns about the affordability, practicality, and potential limitations of electric vehicles. Finding common ground and developing effective policies that balance economic interests, consumer choice, and environmental goals will be crucial in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing transportation sector.
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