Brevard Sun

In a bid to protect consumer choice in purchasing future gasoline-powered automobiles, Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) has thrown his support behind the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, or CARS Act. The legislation, which recently passed in the House with bipartisan support, aims to prohibit the Biden Administration from implementing its aggressive emission standards for light and medium-duty vehicles. These standards would require over two-thirds of all new vehicles to be electric by 2032.

According to Congressman Posey, the CARS Act is essential in preserving the freedom of consumers to choose the vehicles that best meet their needs. He stated, "Purchasing an electric vehicle is still very much out of reach for many Americans who depend on their cars and trucks for family life, work, and recreational enjoyment. This bill preserves the freedom of consumers to purchase vehicles that best meets their needs, and I'm pleased to see it pass with bipartisan support."

The proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April 2023 to set new stringent vehicle emissions standards has received pushback from various quarters. Last week, nearly 4000 car dealers wrote to the administration, urging them to reconsider the rule due to a lack of demand from consumers. Congressman Posey shares this concern and also raises another issue - the potential dependence on China for energy and transportation needs.

"While the U.S. has an abundance of fossil fuels, China has cornered the market on EV battery production," Posey commented. He further warned that the EPA's rule would require the United States to lock off its energy reserves and become dependent on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which he deems a "very dangerous position to leave our nation."

The CARS Act, championed by Congressman Posey, seeks to address these concerns and ensure that consumers have the freedom to choose the type of vehicle that suits their requirements. By prohibiting the implementation of strict emission standards that prioritize electric vehicles, the legislation aims to maintain a diverse range of options for American consumers.

As the CARS Act gains momentum and garners bipartisan support, it remains to be seen how it will fare in the Senate and what impact it will have on the future of automobile choice in the United States.

To find out more, go to this link: https://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397190