The Automotive Industry was dealt a victory on Thursday when the U.S. House of Representatives voted 246-164 in favor of

reversing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of a waiver to California and 11 other states to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by

2035

.

A Strong Showing

1. 35 Democrats joined 211 Republicans
2. “Yea” votes were cast by this bipartisan coalition

This bipartisan coalition of 35 Democrats and 211 Republicans supported the proposal to reverse the EPA’s decision,

which will delay the ban by at least four years

. Alliance for Automotive Innovation president and

CEO John Bozzella

, stated that “Today’s vote was a welcome — and targeted — action by the House to prevent the inevitable jobs and manufacturing fallout from these unachievable regulations”.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents automakers, suppliers and other technology firms

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is a trade association that represents the interests of the automotive industry, including automakers, suppliers, and technology firms.

The organization has been vocal in its opposition to the ban on gas-powered vehiclesQuotes from the Industry

• “Repealing gas vehicle bans in California and 30 percent of the U.S. auto market is among the most important policies to restore some balance to vehicle emissions regulations; to support a healthy and competitive auto industry in America; and to ensure customers remain free to choose the type of vehicle that works for them and their family.”
• “Now is not the time to impose an additional government required shock on American car buyers. The Senate must back this repeal too.”

“Repealing gas vehicle bans in California and 30 percent of the U.S. auto market is among the most important policies to restore some balance to vehicle emissions regulations; to support a healthy and competitive auto industry in America; and to ensure customers remain free to choose the type of vehicle that works for them and their family,” Bozzella

said

in a statement.

Another Industry Perspective

National Automobile Dealers Association president and CEO Mike Stanton

“California’s ban on new gas vehicles will reduce consumer choice by dictating the type of vehicles automakers are allowed to ‘deliver for sale’ to the 12 affected states and raise car prices for all consumers nationwide.”

“Banning gas and hybrid cars is a national issue that should be decided by Congress, not an unelected state agency.” Stanton

emphasized

,

in a letter to the House

.

A Call for Senate Action

Bozzella urged the Senate to follow suit and

pass the repeal bill

, in order to

prevent the inevitable jobs and manufacturing fallout

.

The Impact of the Ban

• California’s ban on new gas vehicles starts in model year 2026
• The ban would have forced automakers to adjust their vehicle shipments to dealers across the country to comply with the “California” state EV mandates

“Time is ticking. These EV sales requirements start in model year 2026 — right now for automakers. In a matter of months, automakers may be forced to adjust their vehicle shipments to dealers across the country to comply with the ‘California’ state EV mandates,” Bozzella

warned

.

A Healthy Balance

Consumer Choice and Competitiveness

1. Repealing the ban on gas-powered vehicles allows consumers to remain free to choose the type of vehicle that works for them and their family.
2. Automakers will not be forced to sell more electric vehicles at the expense of gas-powered vehicles.

Industry Growth and Jobs

1. Allowing gas-powered vehicles to continue to be produced will support a healthy and competitive auto industry in America.
2. The industry will not be forced to make significant investments in electric vehicles if there is consumer demand for gas-powered vehicles.

The Importance of National Standards

1. A national fuel economy standard is better than a state-level standard.
2. A national standard will ensure consistency across the country.

A Better Approach

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has proposed a different approach

focusing on

regulations that are aligned with consumer demand

.