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: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

White House Proclamation: Strengthening Actions on Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Imports

On April 2, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation modifying tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports, effective April 6. The action adjusts tariffs to the full customs value of metal products and their derivatives. Most articles will face a 50% tariff, with derivative items at 25% and specific copper products at 15%. Products manufactured abroad with U.S.-origin metals are eligible for a lower tariff, while imports with less than 15% metal content are exempt. The U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce are authorized to add further derivative articles if they pose national security risks. Certain exclusions remain, and the process for including derivative articles into the tariff regime is terminated. The proclamation supersedes previous inconsistent measures and includes provisions for monitoring imports and addressing evasion.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NHTSA Proposed Rule: Modernizing FMVSS No. 110 for ADS-Equipped Vehicles

NHTSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend FMVSS No. 110, which governs tire selection and rim information placarding, to accommodate vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems lacking manually operated driving controls. The proposed rule allows manufacturers to affix the required placard on the left side of such vehicles, instead of the traditional driver's side. Comments are due by May 1, 2026. The rule aims to remove regulatory burdens inhibiting ADS development, providing flexibility without impacting safety. If adopted, the rule would be effective immediately, bypassing traditional lead time requirements since it relieves a restriction.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC Institution of Five-Year Reviews: Chassis and Subassemblies from China

On April 1, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission began five-year reviews concerning the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on chassis and subassemblies from China. The reviews will assess whether revoking the orders would result in material injury to the domestic industry. Interested parties have until May 1 to provide information relevant to the proceeding. The review will consider factors such as volume, price effects, and industry impact. If responses are inadequate, the Commission may conduct expedited reviews based on available facts.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposed Rule: Approval of Wisconsin SIP Elements for Ozone Attainment

EPA is proposing to approve Wisconsin’s Moderate nonattainment area State Implementation Plan for the 2015 ozone NAAQS, covering Kenosha County, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan County. The approval relates to reasonable further progress, motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2023, inspection and maintenance, and nonattainment new source review programs. The plan demonstrated that these areas met requirements for baseline emissions inventories, reduction milestones, and compliance with updated federal standards. Public comments are open until May 4, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Denial of Motor Vehicle Defect Petition Concerning Tesla Vehicles

NHTSA denied a defect petition requesting a recall of all Tesla vehicles produced since 2013, citing alleged pedal misapplication incidents. After reviewing the petition, Tesla’s response, and associated data, NHTSA found no evidence of a safety defect or that regenerative braking and one-pedal driving features increase risks beyond industry norms. The agency determined that a software interlock as proposed would not prevent pedal misapplication accidents and affirmed its commitment to reviewing new information as it arises.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026

Bill 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, focused on transportation and public works, was received in the Senate for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026

Bill 7147, Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, pertains to economics and public finance. The Senate sent a message on its action back to the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to prohibit executive agencies from procuring or operating certain unmanned ground vehicle systems

Bill 8189, aiming to prohibit executive agencies from procuring or operating certain unmanned ground vehicle systems, was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to strengthen prohibition on price discrimination under the Clayton Act

Bill 8184, focused on strengthening the prohibition against price discrimination under the Clayton Act and other purposes, was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to establish interagency working group for roadway management best practices

Bill 8186, instructing the Secretary of Transportation and the Director of the National Weather Service to establish an interagency group for roadway management best practices and other purposes, was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Illinois Governor Pushes for Year-Round E15 Fuel Legislation

Governor Pritzker sent a letter to Congressional leaders requesting permanent legislation for year-round sale of E15 gasoline. The move addresses rising costs for Illinois farmers, citing tariffs and global instability.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

New York Announces $50 Million for Clean Energy Workforce Training

Governor Hochul announced $50 million in new funding to support clean energy workforce training programs, aiming to prepare workers for energy efficiency and renewable energy career opportunities.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

New York Governor Advocates Budget to Lower Auto Insurance Costs and Expand Housing

Governor Hochul spoke in the Southern Tier region supporting a state budget plan that aims to reduce auto insurance premiums, build more housing, and prioritize energy affordability.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Illinois Economic Development Reports Strong Job Growth in 2026 Q1

Illinois saw nearly 4,000 job creation commitments and $2.5 billion in investments in Q1 2026, led by global companies selecting Illinois for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and film production.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Ohio Approves Seven Development Projects Creating 1,328 Jobs Statewide

Ohio's Tax Credit Authority approved seven projects expected to create 1,328 new positions and retain 905 jobs, generating over $123.4 million in investment including manufacturing and infrastructure expansions.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Auto industry group calls for scrapping US gas tax, adopting vehicle fee: U.S. auto industry group proposes replacing the gasoline tax with a new annual vehicle fee.
• Batteries on wheels: How your EV could also power your home: Exploration of how electric vehicles may provide home power through bidirectional charging.
• Hyundai Motor flags export disruptions as Middle East conflict hits shipping: Disruption to Hyundai Motor’s exports attributed to Middle East conflict and shipping delays.
• Republicans Seek Protections for Oil Giants Against Climate Lawsuits: Republican lawmakers pursue measures to shield oil companies from climate litigation.
• Senators urge Trump to bar Chinese automakers from building cars in US: U.S. senators request President Trump to prevent Chinese automakers from establishing factories in the United States.
• Volvo leans on Chinese parent Geely to survive in tough car market: Volvo relies on Geely for support as challenges persist in global automotive markets.
• NTSB faults Ford driver assistance system in fatal US crashes: NTSB issued findings linking Ford driver assistance systems to several fatal incidents in the United States.

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