Summary#
This bill, the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025, would change several federal rules about vehicle fuel, aftermarket fuel conversions, and fuels themselves. Key changes in the bill text include:
- Aftermarket conversions of older motor vehicles: the Clean Air Act would be amended so certain aftermarket conversion systems are not treated as "tampering" if the conversion technology is matched to the vehicle, well designed, and does not degrade emissions compared to the vehicle before conversion. Those conversions also would not require an EPA certificate of conformity in the situations described. A label must be affixed to vehicles that have been converted, stating the vehicle was equipped with an aftermarket conversion system and that installation occurred after the initial sale. The Administrator (EPA) could still issue an order to prohibit a conversion if there is evidence the conversion degrades emission performance.
- Biomass fuels: the Clean Air Act would be amended to say the Administrator may not prohibit or control biomass fuel as defined in the 1980 Biomass Energy and Alcohol Fuels Act.
- Fuel definitions and fuel-economy calculations: Title 49 U.S. Code (vehicle fuel economy provisions) would be amended to add definitions (for example, biodiesel, E85, M85, flexible fuel vehicles, plug-in electric drive, and a new category called "fuel choice enabling vehicle"). A new definition of "fuel choice enabling manufacturer" is added (manufacturers with at least 50 percent of their fleet being fuel choice enabling vehicles).
- Deemed compliance and bonuses: the bill inserts a provision that if a fuel choice enabling manufacturer complies with applicable NHTSA standards for model year 2020 or later, that manufacturer’s automobiles are deemed to comply with EPA greenhouse gas regulations under Clean Air Act section 202 for that model year. It also allows certain credits to be used over a set period and adds an 8 miles-per-gallon bonus to the average fuel economy calculation for fuel choice enabling manufacturers.
- Effective date: the fuel-economy and related amendments apply to automobiles manufactured for model year 2026 and later.
- Ethanol waiver text change: the Clean Air Act section on ethanol waivers (section 211(h)(4)) would be amended by inserting the words "or more of" after "10 percent" and by striking the phrase "additional alcohol or" in one subparagraph.
What it means for you#
- Vehicle owners and conversion businesses: The bill text says some aftermarket conversions for older vehicles that meet design and installation standards would not be treated as tampering and would not need an EPA certificate in the situations described. Converted vehicles must receive a label noting the conversion and that installation occurred after the initial sale. The EPA still could ban specific conversions if it finds they worsen emissions.
- Fuel producers and distributors: The bill text would prevent the EPA from prohibiting or controlling biomass fuels as defined by a 1980 statute.
- Vehicle manufacturers: The bill text creates a new category called "fuel choice enabling manufacturers" and adds an 8 mpg bonus to average fuel economy calculations for those manufacturers. It also states such manufacturers can be deemed to meet EPA greenhouse gas rules if they meet certain NHTSA standards for model years 2020 or later. These fuel-economy and compliance changes apply beginning with model year 2026.
- General public: No specific implementation details, cost estimates, or enforcement plans are provided in the bill text beyond the changes described.
Expenses#
No publicly available information on federal cost estimates, budget effects, or implementation costs appears in the bill text or the provided metadata.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information in the bill text or provided metadata states the arguments or viewpoints of proponents.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information in the bill text or provided metadata states the arguments or viewpoints of opponents.