Policy Position
In a historic step, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27 to '32, which are intended to increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs) dramatically. As a result, the EPA estimates that two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States will be EVs by 2032 under its proposed standards. Click here for SEMA’s talking points on the rulemaking.
SEMA opposes this proposed rule by EPA, which aggressively seeks to lower carbon emissions under timelines that effectively make electric vehicles the de facto choice for automakers to meet the requirements. Historically, SEMA and the specialty automotive aftermarket industry have led the way on alternative innovations, from replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions to converting older ICE vehicles to new electric, hydrogen, and other alternative fuel powered vehicles. But these fast mandates do not account for the time it would take small businesses to adapt and build their capacity without federal support. This proposed rule will hurt small businesses, stifle automotive innovation, and increase consumer costs.
For a similar reason, SEMA opposes California's efforts to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles starting in 2035 that would transition away from internal combustion engines (ICE). The rule, issued by the California Air Resources Board, will accelerate the production of cleaner vehicles beginning in 2026 until sales of only zero-emission vehicles are adopted statewide.
The Clean Air Act allows states to adopt California's more stringent vehicle emissions standards, including this latest ruling. Seventeen states have chosen to adopt California's standards.
Implementing ICE vehicle bans will put too many Americans out of work. Manufacturing electric vehicles requires approximately 40% less labor than manufacturing equipped with internal combustion engines. The $52 billion a year specialty automotive aftermarket, which relies on ICE vehicles, employs over one million Americans, meaning mandates hurt the industry, destroy jobs, and reduce federal and state revenues.
This proposal and the California rule fly in the face of consumers having the freedom to purchase the vehicles that best suit their personal needs and the needs of their families. It also discriminates against consumers in rural markets with limited EV infrastructure and against consumers who drive long distances for work and other daily necessities, making EV charging stations less accessible.
The government should not choose winners and losers in the automotive market industry; instead, people should be free to decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.
Six SEMA members, along with SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency's recently proposed new federal emissions standards. You can watch and listen to their testimony here.
Learn More
PowerPoint on EPA’s Multipollutant Proposed Rule
Youngkin vows to change 'wrong' Va. law that would ban new gas cars
California's 2035 ban on new gas-powered cars set to apply to Virginia
Massachusetts likely to ban new gas-powered cars, thanks to California
Oregon, Washington join California in banning gas-powered new vehicles starting in 2035
Virginia Talking Points One-Pager
Articles
House Committee Passes SEMA-Supported Bills to Protect Vehicle Technology Choice
House Subcommittee Passes Bills to Protect Vehicle Technology Choice
SEMA CEO Submits EPA Comments as Part of Campaign to Maintain Tech Neutral Future
WV State Lawmaker, SEMA Member Gary Howell Opposes EPA Standards in Op-Ed Piece
How New EPA Rules Could Affect the Auto Industry
More Than 150 U.S. House Members Oppose EPA-Proposed Emissions Standards
Capito, Colleagues to EPA: More Public Input Needed on Harmful Power Plant Regulations
SEMA Members Testify in Opposition to EPA-Proposed Emissions Standards
New EPA Emissions Proposal Puts Automotive Supply Chains, Small Businesses at Risk
SEMA Compiles Talking Points in Opposition to EPA's Pursuit of New Emissions Standards as Written
New EPA emissions proposal puts automotive supply chains and small businesses at risk
EVs are not the only path to zero emissions
CEO Mike Spagnola’s written comments to the EPA re: EPA’s Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards - July 5, 2023
SEMA-Supported Bill to Protect Vehicle Choice Heard in U.S. House Committee, Introduced in U.S. Senate - Jun 22, 2023 | Vol. 26, No. 25
SEMA-Supported Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives to Prevent Internal Combustion Engine Bans - Mar 13, 2023 | Vol. 26, No. 11
Take Action
Over a dozen states have recently introduced or passed legislation or resolutions affirming support for internal combustion engine-powered vehicles and for government to remain technology-neutral in the debate to reduce automotive emissions. Support your region's efforts by signing the letter to elected officials using the custom links included below!