OKC Standard

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin has reintroduced the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, aiming to restrict the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from granting Clean Air Act waivers that would enable states to limit or ban internal combustion engine vehicles. The legislation is designed to maintain consumer choice and promote competition in the automotive market.

The initiative comes in response to California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, which mandates all vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2035, pending EPA approval of a waiver. This regulation has been adopted by 12 additional states and Washington D.C., following its approval by the Biden administration's EPA in December 2024.

Senator Mullin's proposal is supported by several Republican senators including John Barrasso, Ted Cruz, Kevin Cramer, Dan Sullivan, and others. Mullin expressed concern over what he perceives as an overreach by California and emphasized the importance of consumer freedom: “California’s waivers are not about clean energy, they are about control.”

Numerous organizations have endorsed the bill, including the American Trucking Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, and American Petroleum Institute. These groups argue that maintaining access to internal combustion engine vehicles is essential for various sectors.

Rodd Moesel from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau praised Mullin's efforts: “This measure will not only ensure American agriculture producers will continue to have access to affordable, reliable transportation methods but will also protect our nation’s food supply from overburdensome transportation costs.”

Roy Littlefield IV of the Tire Industry Association highlighted the bill's role in safeguarding consumer freedom and small businesses: “This legislation safeguards access to a full range of vehicles that meet the diverse needs of American drivers.”

Ben Shepperd from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association also voiced support: “Restricting this choice is counter to the needs and interests of citizens and industry.” Brook A. Simmons from The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma echoed this sentiment against California's influence on national policy.

Steve Kaminski of the National Propane Gas Association emphasized propane-powered vehicles as a viable low-carbon option under threat without this legislation: “The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act guarantees that low-carbon vehicles powered by propane remain a viable transportation option.”

Ed Gilroy from American Trucking Associations warned against unrealistic electric-truck mandates: “A patchwork of unrealistic, one-size-fits-all electric-truck mandates threatens to undo this success.”

Zach Farmer of the American Motorcyclist Association stated that motorcyclists deserve vehicle choice: “An all-electric future is still far away,” he noted.

Chet Thompson from AFPM criticized California’s gas car ban approved during Biden’s administration: “The regulation is unlawful and will have national repercussions.”

Todd Spencer from OOIDA expressed concerns for small-business truckers' viability under current regulations: “So far, there is no convincing evidence that electric commercial motor vehicles are a viable option for small-business truckers.”

Kristin Whitman from API argued for more flexible emission reduction strategies without limiting options: “There are faster, less restrictive ways to cut emissions through a range of technologies without limiting consumer options.”

Mike Spagnola from SEMA advocated for innovation across all technologies rather than focusing solely on electric vehicles.