What it means: NFIB is supporting legislation in Congress that will stop California from dictating nationwide vehicle regulations that will impact vehicle emissions standards and require all new vehicle sales to be zero-emissions by 2035. Small businesses oppose regulatory burdens that prevent affordable transportation choices.

Our take: “California’s waiver authority under the Clean Air Act enables the state to impose de facto electric vehicle (EV) mandates that extend beyond its borders, impacting millions of small businesses across the country,” said Adam Temple, NFIB Senior Vice President for Advocacy.

Take Action: Share your story with lawmakers about how vehicle emissions regulations will impact your small business.

NFIB sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives in support of a resolution to stop the federal waiver granted to California to implement more stringent vehicle emissions standards and require that 100% of new passenger vehicle sales be zero-emissions by 2035. A vote in favor of H.J. Res. 88 was considered an NFIB Key Vote in the 119th Congress.

For small businesses, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas, this means fewer affordable vehicle options and higher costs for essential transportation. According to a recent member ballot, 96% of NFIB members believe the federal government should not ban or restrict the purchase of consumer products like gas-powered vehicles.

“Over a dozen states have adopted California’s standards, effectively allowing a single state’s policymakers to dictate vehicle regulations nationwide. This is an overreach that imposes costly and unrealistic mandates on small business owners, most of whom do not have the financial means to comply with these regulations,” said Adam Temple, NFIB Senior Vice President for Advocacy.

Read the full letter to the U.S. House and learn more about vehicle regulations. Take a brief survey to share your story with lawmakers about how vehicle regulations will impact your small business.