WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 24, 2024 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA), a national trade association governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals and dedicated exclusively to their interests, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing House Joint Resolution 136, which would eliminate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently finalized auto emissions regulation. This action aligns with ASA’s policy position on vehicle choice in the automotive market.

Passed by the House last Friday, H.J. Res. 136 would overturn the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles regulation. Nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats comprised the 215 votes in favor. Only one Republican voted against. It must now pass the U.S. Senate before it can reach the President’s desk.

President Biden warned lawmakers that he would veto the Resolution if placed before him. He argues that the rule, “sets performance-based standards that manufacturers can meet using a wide range of technologies and avoids over seven billion metric tons of carbon emissions while significantly reducing other pollutants. These standards will provide important health benefits to millions across the country.” He also notes that it is “supported by U.S. automakers and autoworkers and disapproval of the rule would jeopardize development in a critical technology sector, ceding the electric vehicle and battery future to global competitors like China.”

ASA warns that the EPA’s Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles rule will limit consumers’ choice in powertrain. The proposed transformation in the automobile market will likely subject independent auto repairers to severe hardship. These businesses have already made investments under the assumption that EVs will gradually become more prevalent. This sudden change to the market undermines those investments. By 2032, repairers will have needed to spend heavily on EV training for technicians, assure the shop has sufficient commercial property for safe EV storage, purchase new and costly equipment, and more just to remain in business if the EPA’s rule remains intact. The U.S. House’s vote to advance H.J. Res. 136 provides independent automotive repairers hope that the transition to EV will provide an adequate amount of time for shops to adjust.

Scott Benavidez, President of the ASA Board of Directors and owner of Mr. B’s Paint & Body Shop in Albuquerque, NM, reacted to this vote by stating, “The U.S. House should be commended for its efforts to make sure independent auto repairers aren’t left behind. The automotive repair industry isn’t pro- or anti- EV. We just want to make sure that we can repair our customers’ vehicles. House Joint Res. 136 helps ensure that our industry has time to adapt to more EVs on the road. ASA calls on the U.S. Senate to follow the House’s lead and send this bill to the President’s desk.”

ASA is the largest and oldest national organization committed to protecting the automotive repair industry with ONE VOICE. Our members own and operate automotive mechanical and collision repair facilities responsible for the majority of all, post warranty, repair services in the United States. ASA advocates for the interests of its members and their customers in Washington, D.C. The education, resources, and services ASA provides empowers its members in all 50 states to remain trusted stewards of mobility in their communities. www.ASAShop.org