WWMT: CARS Act re-introduced to prohibit regulations mandating EV technology

Congressman Tim Walberg said consumers should have the choice between a vehicle powered by a electricity or gasoline.

He’s reintroduced his CARS Act, which would prevent the EPA from limiting the availability of any vehicle based on how it is powered

"People want choice," Walberg said. "And choice is American."

Walberg said gas-powered vehicles still have a future.

He said his new Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act would level the playing field for new EVs and traditional cars.

The bill prevents using any authority under the Clean Air Act to create regulations requiring any specific technology, or lower the availability of cars on the market based on how they're powered.

It's in response to Biden-era clean emission standards, and was originally passed by the House in 2023.

However, the Democrat-controlled Senate did not take it up.

Walberg said he wants to make sure the government isn't unfairly influencing the market.

“That should be up to the consumer, the auto manufacturers, the engineers, the designers,” he said.

Walberg said electric vehicles are still too expensive for most consumers, adding the average owner's income is over $100,000.

He also feels the U.S. should increase its focus on energy independence, rather than relying on EV materials from other countries.

"Most of the elements that go into the battery still majority come from China," he said.

Some of those who have already purchased an electric vehicle don't agree with Congressional Republicans.

Angela Babian purchased a Tesla to save on gas money and out of concern for the environment.

She said the government is pulling in a different direction with EVs in just a matter of months, and she feels it's the wrong direction.

"I think that electric vehicles are needed to help reduce our carbon footprint," she said.

Walberg said he believes those tax credits of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles could soon be cut.