SEMA Pushes Congress To End California EV Mandate

SEMA, or the Specialty Equipment Market Association, is putting pressure on the United States Congress to end California’s infamous EV mandate. The organization issued a press release spelling out how it believes the nation’s legislative branch can quash the effort by using the Congressional Review Act.

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The Environmental Protection Agency transmitted to Congress the Clean Air Act waiver granted to California for the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. That’s California’s EV mandate. But SEMA says there’s a legal way for Congress to stop California from forcing residents to buy electric cars.

A waiver was granted to California for the Advanced Clean Cars II policy in the final days of the Biden administration. But Mike Spagnola, president and CEO of SEMA, is asking for “lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to use their Congressional Review Act authority to stand up for American ingenuity and innovation, for the power of the free market, and for the individual freedoms of people to choose which vehicle is right for their lifestyle and needs.”

Because the power to mandate EVs is granted through the federal government, there’s provision for Congress to step in and stop the process. The big question is will the idea catch on at Capitol Hill?

Considering a number of other states are locked in to follow California’s lead on mandating only EVs can be purchased, if Congress doesn’t act the effect on the economy and individual freedoms could be widespread.

SEMA, like us, doesn’t have an anti-EV stance. Instead, the organization feels consumers should be free to choose automotive propulsion technologies which they feel best suits their budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It’s about freedom versus the government forcing people to buy a specific type of vehicle.

After all, the automobile didn’t become popular because the federal or a state government made people buy cars. If a technology is compelling, people will gladly adopt it. EVs should be no different.

Image via Ford