The RAAM Act repeals federal fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks starting with the 2029 model year, removing the requirement for manufacturers to meet specific mileage targets. It also prevents states from creating their own fuel economy rules, reserving this authority exclusively to the federal government. Additionally, the bill updates legal definitions to clarify how vehicles are classified and modifies the process for challenging federal regulations in court. These changes directly affect automobile manufacturers, state governments, and consumers by eliminating federal mileage mandates and blocking state-level fuel economy laws.
The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.
HR 3081, the Law Enforcement Solidarity Act, restricts federal funding for jurisdictions that prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal officers. Beginning 60 days after enactment, such jurisdictions become ineligible for federal funds intended to provide services like food, shelter, healthcare, legal aid, or transportation to undocumented immigrants. The bill defines a "jurisdiction with law enforcement cooperation restrictions" as any state or local government that blocks officials from assisting, aiding, or responding to federal law enforcement requests. This directly affects local governments with policies limiting collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. The law aims to link federal funding eligibility to cooperation with federal law enforcement on immigration matters.
This bill repeals the EPA's 2024 emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles and amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future regulations from mandating specific technologies or limiting new vehicle availability based on engine type. It directly affects the EPA's regulatory authority and vehicle manufacturers by blocking technology mandates and restrictions on engine types in new vehicles. Key provisions require the EPA to revise regulations within 24 months to align with these changes, ensuring no federal rules limit vehicle choices based on engine technology. The bill's title is misleading, as it does not address automobile retail sales or consumer choice at dealerships.
HR 3330, the Energy Freedom Act, repeals numerous tax credits and incentives related to clean energy and energy efficiency. The bill specifically targets credits for residential energy improvements, clean vehicles, renewable energy production, biofuels, and energy-efficient buildings. These repeals would eliminate tax benefits for individuals and businesses that previously claimed these credits. The changes would take effect for property placed in service, vehicles acquired, or credits claimed after December 31, 2025, depending on the specific provision. The bill does not repeal all energy-related tax provisions, as section 7 modifies the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Credit rather than repealing it.
SJRES 46 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's vehicle emission standards. The rule, submitted in 2023, relates to California's pollution control requirements for motor vehicles, including advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and heavy-duty engine emissions. This resolution would block the rule from taking effect using a specific federal disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, meaning California's current standards would remain without the EPA's formal approval for these specific provisions.
This bill repeals federal waivers that allow California to set its own vehicle and engine emission standards under the Clean Air Act. It directly affects California's Air Resources Board (CARB), prohibiting the state from adopting or enforcing standards for nonroad engines (like construction equipment, farm vehicles, and locomotives) or new motor vehicles. Key provisions include removing federal authorization for California's vehicle standards (Section 177) and invalidating all existing waivers for state emission rules. The bill would eliminate California's ability to enforce its own emission requirements for these categories, shifting authority entirely to federal standards.
This bill amends the Clean Air Act to prevent states from imposing standards that limit the sale or use of new internal combustion engine vehicles. It adds a new requirement that state standards must not directly or indirectly restrict such vehicles, and it prohibits the EPA from considering pre-2025 state standards as valid under existing waivers. The bill also requires the EPA to revoke certain existing waivers granted between January 2022 and the bill's enactment date if those waivers don't comply with the new standard. This directly affects states with their own vehicle emission rules (like California's ZEV program), limiting their ability to regulate internal combustion engine vehicles through EPA-approved standards.
Senate Joint Resolution 45 seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have allowed California to enforce its Advanced Clean Cars II vehicle emission standards. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under federal law to declare the EPA rule invalid, preventing California from implementing its stricter pollution controls for cars and trucks. If passed, this resolution would stop the rule from taking effect, meaning California could not override federal vehicle emission standards with its own requirements. The bill directly affects California's ability to set state-level environmental regulations for motor vehicles and the EPA's regulatory authority.
S 990, the Freedom to Haul Act of 2025, prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing or enforcing Phase 3 greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (finalized in April 2024). It amends the Clean Air Act to require that future emissions rules for vehicles cannot mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new trucks based on engine type. This directly affects EPA regulatory authority and vehicle manufacturers, ensuring a broader range of new truck options remains available. The bill focuses on preventing regulatory restrictions on vehicle choice, not on emissions outcomes.
