House Passes Bill to Block EPA Emissions Rule

A bill barring the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to restrict tailpipe emissions limits in forthcoming new vehicles has passed the House. 

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act was approved by a vote of 221-197 on Dec. 6. The measure, introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), would turn back an EPA proposal that would require two-thirds of all new light- and medium-duty vehicles to be electric by 2032. 

It would also prevent the EPA from “implementing future vehicle emissions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type,” according to a statement from Walberg’s office. 

The bill now advances to the Senate, where its future is unclear. A statement from the White House said the administration “strongly opposes” the CARS Act and would be vetoed by the president.