Findlay Times

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) has expressed his concerns over the recent announcement by Stellantis, a major automaker, regarding layoffs in Toledo, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan. The layoffs are a result of the company's plan to manage sales of vehicles to comply with California emissions regulations.

In a statement, Congressman Latta highlighted the negative impact of government intervention in free markets. He stated, "When the government imposes its will on free markets, economies falter and fail, leaving hardworking families to pick up the pieces. And that is exactly what is happening to workers in Toledo and Detroit."

Latta specifically pointed out the misguided emissions regulations in California, which would ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and light trucks by 2035 in favor of zero-emission vehicles. He emphasized that these regulations are not only affecting people in Ohio and the Midwest but also undermining the freedom of choice for all Americans.

"This news is, unfortunately, a prime example of why the federal government cannot assume a one-size-fits-all approach or tip the scales in favor of certain types of vehicles," Latta said. He further mentioned his efforts to counter the administration's push to end the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Latta is championing the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which aims to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from granting a waiver to California, leading to the ban of ICE vehicles.

"The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on September 16, 2023, and now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate, is an important step towards preserving the right of Americans to decide what kind of vehicle best suits their needs," Latta stated.

This is not the first time Congressman Latta has spoken out on this issue. In August, he penned an op-ed in The Washington Times addressing the Biden Administration's efforts to rapidly expand electric vehicle fleets in the United States. In the op-ed, Latta raised concerns about the potential consequences of such policies on American workers and the economy.

It remains to be seen how the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act will progress in the U.S. Senate. However, Congressman Latta's advocacy for the rights of Americans to choose the vehicles they want is an important contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding emissions regulations and the future of the automotive industry.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404196