On EVs, the Battle Continues

In April, I traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings on Capitol Hill. As AIADA Chairman, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of dealer engagement on a number of federal issues, and I am committed to do my part to ensure that the voices of AIADA’s members are heard by lawmakers.

My visit coincided with the one-year anniversary of the EPA’s release of its strictest-ever proposal for tailpipe emissions. Not a date I necessarily want to celebrate. As originally written, the proposal required that as many as 67 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2032 be all-electric. The response, from consumers and the auto industry, ranged from confusion, to concern, to consternation. Ultimately, thanks in large part to retailers and manufacturers who stepped forward to highlight the many roadblocks to such a proposal, the target was lowered to 57 percent of sales by 2032. Still a wildly ambitious number when you consider that EVs currently account for just 7.6 percent of total U.S. new vehicle sales.

Last week, a measure in the Senate offered by Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to block the implementation, administration, or enforcement of the EPA’s revised tailpipe emissions regulation failed. Several Democrats voted with Republicans in the 52-46 vote, but the effort ultimately fell short of the needed 60 votes to pass. Previously, the House had voted 221-197 in favor of passing a similar measure.

Of course, the fight doesn’t end there. Twenty-five Republican Attorneys General have now sued to block the EPA from implementing its vehicle emissions regulations, stating that the regulation goes beyond the EPA’s authority under the Clean Air Act.

The issue is now in the hands of the courts, and potentially a new Congress and administration in 2025. As the sands of policy shift beneath our feet, dealers and consumers will continue to demand a consistent and achievable EV blueprint from Washington, D.C. When the rules change every four years, how can our industry, which by necessity plans its product mix 5-10 years in advance, hope to keep up? Rather than splashy proposals and jaw-dropping sales targets, we need a thoughtful, achievable strategy to improve America’s charging infrastructure and battery production capabilities. Otherwise, policy makers are putting the cart before the horse on EVs.

Whatever happens next, I am sure of one thing. Without the efforts of dealers like you, this fight would be long over. Auto retailers have consistently been the loudest voice of sanity during this debate. We are listening to our customers. We understand that a one-size fits all EV policy is doomed to fail in a country as large and varied as ours, and we have been unrelenting in our push for a sane, sensible EV strategy. As this fight continues, I know I’m not backing down, AIADA’s not giving up, and none of you will be staying silent. Too much rides on the outcome.

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Anthony Brownlee
2024 AIADA Chairman