Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2165

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-27: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1317)

Last Updated

2026-06-24T08:10:09Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025" (H.R. 2165) aims to prevent federal tailpipe emissions regulations from restricting the types of new motor vehicles available for purchase. It seeks to preserve consumer choice by ensuring regulations do not favor specific engine technologies or limit vehicle options based on engine type.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to the Clean Air Act: Modifies Section 202(a)(2) (42 U.S.C. 7521(a)(2)) by adding a new subparagraph (B), which prohibits any emissions regulation proposed or issued after January 1, 2021—including revisions—from:
• Mandating the use of any specific technology (e.g., requiring electric or hybrid engines exclusively).
• Limiting the availability of new motor vehicles based on the type of engine (e.g., phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles).
• EPA Compliance Timeline: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator must revise existing regulations within 24 months of the bill's enactment to align with the new restrictions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Under current law, the Clean Air Act allows the EPA broad authority to set emissions standards for new motor vehicles, including standards that could indirectly promote certain technologies like electric vehicles to reduce pollution.
• This bill introduces explicit limits on that authority, retroactively applying to regulations after January 1, 2021, and barring mandates or restrictions that reduce vehicle variety. It restructures the section by redesignating existing text and adding the new prohibitive language, effectively narrowing the EPA's flexibility in emissions rulemaking.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The EPA will face constraints in designing future emissions rules and must revise recent regulations (e.g., those pushing for zero-emission vehicles), potentially delaying or altering clean air initiatives.
• On Citizens: Consumers may have greater access to a wider range of vehicles, including traditional gasoline models, without regulatory pressure toward electric or alternative-fuel options, but this could slow progress on reducing vehicle-related air pollution and climate change effects.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may affect U.S. alignment with global emissions standards (e.g., those from the European Union or under international climate agreements), potentially influencing trade in auto parts or vehicles.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Auto Manufacturers and Dealers: Benefit from reduced regulatory mandates, allowing continued production and sales of diverse engine types without forced shifts to specific technologies.
• Consumers: Gain more choices in vehicle purchases, particularly for non-electric options, but may face higher long-term environmental or health costs from less stringent pollution controls.
• Environmental Groups and Public Health Advocates: Likely oppose the bill, as it could hinder efforts to cut tailpipe emissions, which contribute to smog, respiratory issues, and global warming.
• EPA and Federal Regulators: Must adapt operations and rulemaking processes to comply, potentially facing legal challenges or resource strains during revisions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill could invite lawsuits challenging EPA regulations issued since 2021, arguing they violate the new prohibitions. It reinforces statutory limits on agency discretion under the Clean Air Act, potentially requiring courts to interpret "limited availability" in future disputes.
• Constitutional Implications: None directly evident, as it operates within Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and amend environmental statutes; however, it may raise questions about federal preemption of state-level vehicle standards.
• Political Implications: Reflects debates over regulatory overreach versus market freedom, with supporters (e.g., bill sponsors from industry-friendly districts) emphasizing consumer choice and economic impacts on manufacturing, while critics may view it as undermining climate goals amid growing pressure for sustainable transport.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]

Cosponsors (14)

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-27: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1317)
• 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (2 pages)