This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, rental companies, and importers/exporters in the automotive industry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Automotive - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

EPA Proposes Rule on Scrap Tires in Cement Kilns

The Environmental Protection Agency released a proposed rule designating recovered, including previously abandoned, scrap tires combusted in cement kilns as non-waste fuel under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The regulatory change would update the definition of established tire collection programs to include recovery operations for abandoned tires, allowing these tires to be managed identically to collected ones when used as fuel in cement manufacturing. The rule also reduces processing requirements, facilitating cleanup of tire piles and lowering administrative costs for tire and cement industries. Public comment is open until May 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Section 232 Automobile Parts Tariff Inclusions Window Opens

The Commerce Department's International Trade Administration announced the April 2026 inclusions window for Section 232 Automobile Parts Tariff Inclusions Process. Applicants may submit requests to add new automobile parts to the scope of tariff duties between April 1 and April 14, 2026. Following closure, qualifying requests will undergo a two-week comment period on Regulations.gov. Submissions should be unique and not repeat existing covered parts.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NCUA Requests Comments on Third-Party Servicing of Indirect Vehicle Loans

The National Credit Union Administration published a proposed rule that would remove prescriptive limits related to federally insured credit unions' purchases of indirect vehicle loans serviced by third parties. The rule would rescind set concentration limits and waiver processes, with the intent to allow individual credit union boards to create tailored policies. If finalized, the NCUA will continue oversight through its examination process. Comments are due by May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOJ Lodges Ford Ringwood Superfund Consent Decree

The Department of Justice lodged a proposed Consent Decree in United States, et al. v. Ford Motor Co. et al. addressing the Ringwood Mines/Landfill Superfund Site in New Jersey. Ford and the Borough of Ringwood will perform remediation for Operable Unit 3 and reimburse New Jersey for past and future site-related costs. Public comments on the decree are open for 60 days, with information available online and via NJDEP.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FTA Information Collection Extension for Bus and Low/No Emission Programs

The Federal Transit Administration issued notice of a request to continue its information collection for bus fleet formula and competitive programs, including the Low or No Emission Grant Program. The collection enables FTA to assess grantee compliance, monitor grant activity, and measure project impact. The existing annual burden for respondents stands at 56,734 hours across 1,035 entities. Comments may be submitted before May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8079: Enforcement Prohibition on Clean Air Act Emissions Control Device Laws

Bill 8079 seeks to prohibit enforcing laws related to the installation, certification, and maintenance of emissions control devices under the Clean Air Act. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7613: ALERT Act

The ALERT Act (Bill 7613) in the transportation and public works policy area was ordered to be reported, as amended, by a vote of 53–0.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 5663: ACPAC Modernization Act

The ACPAC Modernization Act (Bill 5663) advanced to the Senate, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4211: Consumer Privacy Protection

Bill 4211, focused on consumer privacy, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 257: Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025

The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025 (Bill 257) underwent hearings in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion | Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle: NYT discusses current market drivers for electric vehicle purchasing decisions.
• EV envy - US car buyers want the Chinese models they can't have: Reuters explores U.S. consumer demand for Chinese electric vehicles and impacts on domestic market.

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