Dr. Joyce Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Consumer Freedom

Washington, D.C. – Congressmen John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Morgan Griffith (VA-9), and Doug LaMalfa (CA-1) reintroduced the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act for the 119^th Congress. This legislation passed the House in the 118^th Congress by a bipartisan vote of 222-190 with 8 Democrats joining a united Republican Conference. 

To preserve the choices of consumers throughout the nation, H.R. 346, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, would amend Federal law to block attempts by California to eliminate the sale of internal combustion engines by 2035. Additionally, this legislation would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing future waivers that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines.

“The decision on what vehicle a family buys should be based on the choice of the consumer -- not an unelected bureaucrat,”said Congressman Joyce.“Even with one foot out the door, the Biden Administration has decided to allow one state to set national policy, limiting the consumer choice for Americans to favor unaffordable electric vehicles.”

“The EPA’s decision to grant California’s waiver, which would ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles, is yet another example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s push to enact Green New Deal policies at the 11th hour, flagrantly ignoring the outcome of the recent election when the American people voted for change. Congressman Joyce’s legislation, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, would revoke this waiver and ensure that American drivers can continue to purchase the cars and trucks they need and want,” said House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie.

“While electric vehicles (EVs) have their place in the market, many models’ price tag and performance on unpaved roads make them an unrealistic and unaffordable option for many households, particularly in rural areas,”said House Committee on Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith. “Virginia under Governor Youngkin declared its independence from a California-based waiver, which essentially encouraged EV mandates on all Virginians. Congress can follow Youngkin’s lead by passing the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act to protect consumer choice and allow families and households, not the EPA, the freedom to determine what vehicle best suits their respective needs and interests.”

Background:

• This legislation was introduced in response to California’s radical decision to ban the sale of new, gas-powered vehicles by 2035, which would limit consumer choice, stifle innovation, and raise prices for the American public.
• Last month, the Biden Administration provided a waiver approving California’s mandate. 
• Due to California’s unique status in the Clean Air Act, sixteen other states, including Pennsylvania, have adopted California’s previous standards, affecting nearly 40% of the automobile market.
• In the 117^th Congress, Dr. Joyce led a letter to the Biden Administration with 168 cosigners relaying disapproval of California’s regulation.
• In the 118^th Congress, Dr. Joyce led H.R. 1435, legislation to block electric vehicle mandates and protect consumer choice.
• Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced the Senate companion in the 118^th Congress.

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