Bill Seeks to Limit State Bans on New Gas Car Sales, Amends Clean Air Act

This proposed legislation, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025," aims to amend the Clean Air Act, specifically targeting how states can regulate emissions from new vehicles. The core change? It would bring state standards that effectively limit the sale or use of new gasoline-powered vehicles under federal oversight, potentially restricting states' ability to set their own stricter rules, particularly those encouraging a shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

Shifting Gears on State Emission Rules

Essentially, this bill draws a new line in the sand for state environmental regulations concerning cars. Under the Clean Air Act, states can sometimes get waivers to implement tougher emission standards than the federal government's baseline, a key tool used by states like California to combat smog and push for cleaner vehicles. This bill adds a specific condition: if a state's standard is interpreted as limiting the sale or use of new gas-powered cars, it's subject to federal regulation under Section 209 of the Clean Air Act. This means states might find it harder to enact regulations designed to phase out gas vehicles in favor of EVs, potentially slowing down state-led efforts to reduce transportation emissions and meet climate goals.

Rolling Back Recent Clean Air Waivers

The legislation doesn't just look forward; it looks back. It includes a provision requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke any waivers granted between January 1, 2022, and the date this bill becomes law, if those waivers don't align with the new restrictions. This could invalidate recently approved state plans that rely on stricter standards or aim to accelerate EV adoption by setting targets for phasing out gas car sales. The exact scope of what constitutes "limiting the sale or use" isn't sharply defined, which could lead to debates over whether certain incentives or indirect regulations fall under this restriction.

Impact on Car Choices, State Plans, and Air Quality

So, what does this mean on the ground? For consumers, the bill is framed as preserving the choice to buy new gas-powered vehicles, potentially keeping more options available for longer. However, it could significantly impact states that have set ambitious targets for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. By limiting their authority to set stricter standards or phase out gas car sales, the bill could hinder progress on air quality improvements, particularly in urban areas or communities already disproportionately affected by pollution. It also creates a potential conflict between federal oversight and state autonomy in addressing environmental challenges, potentially rolling back protections already put in place under existing waivers.