The National Automobile Dealers Association commended legislators who signed a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to enact a provision in an appropriations bill that would prevent taxpayer funding from being used to finalize, implement, administer or enforce proposed emissions standards that would effectively require 67.5% of all new vehicles sold to be fully electric by 2032.

The letter from 223 members of Congress, led by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), pushed for enactment of language to impose a one-year stay on the Environmental Protection Agency’s use of funds to finalize or implement its EV mandate.

The bill also includes language that would stop the EPA’s “Phase 3” heavy-duty truck rule (Zero Emission Vehicle Mandates) for one year.

NADA president and CEO Mike Stanton said in a news release that franchised dealers are not opposed to EVs, noting they have already invested $6 billion in EV infrastructure.

But, he said, “while we share the goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions, the EPA’s proposed rule goes too far too fast. Apart from the lack of charging infrastructure, EPA’s EV mandate will significantly reduce consumer choice and make vehicles less affordable.

“Rep. McClain’s common-sense leadership is a much-needed reality check to stop a policy that will hurt working families.”

In the letter, McClain called the EPA’s rule “unachievable” and said it would “severely limit consumer choice for affordable vehicles,” which “at a time of inflation, high interest rates and rising costs” is “the last thing Americans need.”

“We strongly oppose the EPA’s misguided attempt to force the production of a vehicle mix that fails to meet the transportation needs or fit within the budgets of American families,” the letter said. “The EPA mandate would also radically reshape America’s auto industry and the types of vehicles in America’s driveways.

“Battery electric vehicles may or may not be the right choice for everyone. If required to haul, drive long distances in areas without charging infrastructure or live in a colder climate, a fully battery electric vehicle may not meet the needs of our constituents.

“Americans – not the government – should be able to choose which vehicle is right for them.”

The EPA’s proposed rule is expected to be finalized next year. NADA filed comments opposing the rule. NADA also supports H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, which would permanently prohibit the EPA from finalizing, implementing or enforcing the proposed rule.

EcoDrive acquires Pennsylvania dealership

EcoDrive, led by Artem Boguslavskiy and Yan Chertok has acquired B & B Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Honesdale, Pa., from Stephen Carmody Sr., Stephen Carmody Jr., and John Carmody.

Performance Brokerage Services, which represented the seller in the transaction, said in a news release the dealership had been owned and operated by the Carmody family for five decades. Brothers Steve Carmody Sr. and John Carmody are retiring. Steve Carmody Jr. is staying on as general manager.

EcoDrive’s Boguslavskiy and Chertok, who have been business partners since 2001, own dealerships in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

B & B Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been renamed Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Honesdale.