This bill changes the rules about what kinds of car pollution standards states are allowed to create. Right now, states can set their own vehicle emission rules if the EPA approves them through a special permission process called a waiver. This bill would block states from getting that permission if their rules are designed to reduce or eliminate gas-powered cars—even indirectly. For example, if a state's emission standard is so strict that gas-powered vehicles can't meet it, that would count as limiting gas cars and wouldn't be allowed.

The bill also takes away EPA waivers that were already granted between January 2022 and when this bill becomes law, but only if those waivers involved rules that limit gas-powered vehicles. Going forward, the EPA couldn't even say that new state rules fall under old approved waivers if they target gas-powered cars. Essentially, this prevents states from using environmental regulations as a backdoor way to push people toward electric vehicles instead of gas-powered ones. States that want stricter emission standards would need to find different approaches that don't specifically target the type of engine a car uses.

Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025

Mullin, Markwayne

Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025This bill modifies the waiver process under the Clean Air Act related to state emission control standards for new motor vehicles (or new motor vehicle engines).Under current law, states are preempted from adopting or enforcing emission control standards for new motor vehicles (or new motor vehicle engines) unless the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a waiver authorizing a state to adopt such standards if certain requirements are met.The bill provides that state standards that directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines are not eligible for waivers. The bill also prohibits the EPA from determining that any state standards amended after the bill's enactment are within the scope of an existing waiver.Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to revoke waivers granted between January 1, 2022, and the date of enactment of this bill if the standards directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines.