SEMA CEO Testifies Against Proposed EPA Standards

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola testified remotely yesterday before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to the agency’s newly proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years ’27-’32, which are intended to significantly increase sales of electric vehicles (AutoInformed: EPA Wants Toughest Federal Emission Standards Ever).

“SEMA and its members have serious concerns with this proposal, which aggressively seeks to lower carbon emissions under timelines that effectively make electric vehicles the de facto choice option for automakers to meet the requirements. Government shouldn’t pick winners and losers. This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift for small businesses who don’t have the capacity to make the shift this quickly, especially when they’re not receiving billions in government funds like the large automakers are to fund their electric vehicle programs,” said Spagnola.

SEMA has a point, ~33% of consumer spending on performance and accessory products goes toward upgrading ICE engines and drivetrains, ~ $17 billion of the $51 billion specialty aftermarket industry. SEMA contends the $17 billion in sales of internal combustion products comes from small businesses.

However, global warming is a planet threatening public health problem that needs to be addressed after years of denial and subsidies to corporations that profit from the sales and use of fossil fuels. Perhaps some accommodation to be made for small business. Better yet, it there a way harness the, well,  energy and creativity of an industry that grew out of hot rodders and dry lakes racers?

“While the automobile’s roots are tied to the internal combustion engine (ICE), SEMA prides itself on maintaining a forward-looking vision that embraces new technology, including EVs and other zero-emissions vehicles,” said Spagnola. “The specialty automotive aftermarket has led the way on alternative fuel innovations, from replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions to converting older ICE vehicles to new electric, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Sadly, the EPA’s plans to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants do not factor this in,” Spagnola said.