To the Members of the United States Senate:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval aimed at overturning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal preemption waivers that led California to set unattainable standards and ban gasoline and diesel cars and trucks. These resolutions would disapprove the EPA waivers for the following regulations adopted by California: (1) Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), S.J. Res. 45 (2) the “Omnibus” Low NOx, S.J. Res 47, and (3) Advanced Clean Trucks, S.J. Res 46. In light of the broad impact of these preemption waivers on consumers and the nationwide vehicle marketplace, among other considerations, EPA has appropriately designated them to be rules subject to Congressional Review Act scrutiny. Disapproval of the rules is essential to ensuring a unified national vehicle marketplace that promotes continued progress on fuel economy while safeguarding economic growth and consumer interests.
The ban on sales of internal combustion engine-powered cars and trucks, central to ACC II and ACT, poses significant challenges. Adding on top the Omnibus rule, combined they would severely restrict consumer choice and impose substantial costs on businesses, not only in California but also in other states that have adopted California’s regulatory programs. By mandating adoption of technologies not yet commercially viable at scale, and on a recklessly accelerated timeline, these rules risk significant increases to transportation costs and could hinder the movement of people and goods nationwide. Additionally, factors such as insufficient vehicle charging infrastructure, which are beyond the control of manufacturers, further deter market adoption of electric vehicles and exacerbate compliance challenges. Allowing California to set de facto national standards creates a fragmented regulatory landscape, complicating supply chains and compliance for businesses operating across state lines. This patchwork approach undermines the efficiency and predictability needed for thriving interstate commerce.
We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing these resolutions of disapproval to prevent the detrimental effects of such costly and impractical regulations. The Chamber is committed to collaborating with policymakers to ensure that federal regulations are fair, pragmatic, effective, and conducive to economic growth.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer,
and Head of Strategic Advocacy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
