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: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee Hearing: Robots Made in America – Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation: The House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology will hold a hearing titled 'Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation' on April 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Rayburn 2318.
• House Natural Resources Committee Markup on Domestic Mining and Critical Minerals Supply Chain: On April 21, 2026, at 2:30 PM in Longworth 1324, the House Natural Resources Committee will mark up H.R. 1501, H.R. 1687, H.R. 5929 (Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act), and additional bills on energy access and mineral supply.
• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on US Environmental Laws' Impact on Critical Material Supply Chains: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment will conduct a hearing titled 'Help or Hindrance? The impact of U.S. Environmental Laws on Critical Material Supply Chains, National Security, and Economic Growth' at 2:00 PM on April 22, 2026, in Rayburn 2123.

Federal Government News

USITC Requests Submissions on Public Interest Regarding Motorized Self-Balancing Vehicles Import Investigation

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) announced a request for public interest submissions related to Investigation No. 337-TA-1440 on certain motorized self-balancing vehicles. Following the ALJ’s Initial and Recommended Determinations, submissions are solicited regarding whether the issuance of a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order against Golabs Inc. (d/b/a Gotrax) and Zhejiang TaoTao Vehicles Co., Ltd. would affect public health and welfare, US competitive conditions, domestic production, or consumers. Public interest submissions are due by May 14, 2026. The investigation concerns certain vehicles alleged to infringe U.S. Patent Nos. RE46,964 and RE49,608.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Approval of Maricopa County Rule for On-Road Mobile Source Emission Reduction Credits

EPA is proposing to approve Maricopa County Air Quality Department Rule 205, allowing fleet operators to generate federally enforceable emission reduction credits (ERCs) by retrofitting or replacing fleet vehicles. These credits may be used as offsets for major stationary source construction permits under the County’s Nonattainment New Source Review program for ozone precursors (NOx and VOC), but not for PM10 NAAQS. EPA's technical review found Rule 205 satisfies Clean Air Act Section 173 requirements, ensuring reductions are real, surplus, quantifiable, permanent, and federally enforceable. Public comments are due by May 18, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Denies Defect Petition Regarding Ford Explorer Underbody Shields

NHTSA denied a defect petition (DP25-001) submitted in August 2025 regarding premature degradation and detachment of underbody shields in Model Year 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. After technical review, including NHTSA complaint data and manufacturer information, the Office of Defects Investigation found no trend or sufficient evidence to support opening a defect investigation and noted a low risk of shield detachment hazard. The petitioner’s report of noise, vibration, and shield sagging was not substantiated by broader complaint data.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Seeks Comments on Aurora’s Exemption Request for Level 4 ADS-Equipped CMVs

FMCSA published a notice of application for exemption from Aurora Operations, Inc., which seeks authorization for Level 4 automated driving system-equipped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of reflective triangles or fusees when stopped. The exemption would cover Aurora and other carriers with similar vehicles that notify FMCSA. Aurora is currently operating under a limited waiver due to expire July 9, 2026. The exemption would extend to certain vehicle types, and public comments are accepted until May 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FTC Seeks Comment on Extension of Risk-Based Pricing Rule Information Collection

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on its proposal to extend for three years the information collection requirements for the Fair Credit Reporting Risk-Based Pricing Regulations, including those applicable to motor vehicle dealers. The request covers joint enforcement with the CFPB under Regulation V and applies to over 60,000 motor vehicle dealers. Estimated annual burden for affected entities is 10,667,220 hours, with comments accepted until June 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To require the Secretary of Transportation to review response best practices for electric vehicle fires

Bill 8307, introduced April 15, 2026, would direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a working group to develop guidance and best practices for responding to electric vehicle fires. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2026

Bill 8266, the Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2026, was referred on April 14, 2026, to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill addresses restrictions on gasoline exports.

Sources: www.congress.gov

SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025

Senate Bill 2378, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025, was ordered to be reported with an amendment by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The bill covers aspects of transportation and public works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Alex Gate Safety Act of 2025

Senate Bill 1682, the Alex Gate Safety Act of 2025, was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on April 14, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Joint Resolution of Disapproval on CFPB Rule Withdrawal Regarding Auto Repossession

Senate Joint Resolution 174 would disapprove the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection rule regarding withdrawal of Bulletin 2022-04 on auto repossession. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Leverages Technology to Modernize DMV Operations and Fight Fraud

California introduced a new virtual intake process at the DMV intended to cut wait times and bolster customer service, alongside deployment of digital ID barcodes and other anti-fraud initiatives.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Governor Hochul Announces Proposals to Lower Auto Insurance Costs in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul presented reforms to reduce auto insurance rates and curtail fraudulent claims in New York, aiming to reduce costs currently averaging over $4,000 per year for drivers.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas Governor Appoints John Asel and Bill Douglass as Regional Mobility Authority Chairmen

Governor Greg Abbott reappointed John Asel and William Douglass as presiding officers of the Alamo and Grayson County Regional Mobility Authorities, supporting transportation project delivery in Bexar and Grayson Counties.

Sources: gov.texas.gov, gov.texas.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Stellantis to halt car assembly at France's Poissy plant by 2029: Stellantis will end vehicle assembly at its Poissy, France plant by 2029.
• Volkswagen faces Q1 charge after halting EV production in Tennessee, analysts say: Volkswagen paused electric vehicle manufacturing in Tennessee, likely resulting in a first quarter financial charge.
• Canadian Factory, Wholesale Trade Lifted by Rebound in Auto Industry: A rebound in the auto sector boosted Canadian factory and wholesale activity.
• Pentagon Seeks Help From Ford and G.M.: The Pentagon requested defense production support from Ford and General Motors.
• Canada to temporarily suspend federal fuel tax on diesel and gasoline: Canada announced a temporary suspension of federal fuel taxes on diesel and gasoline.
• The incredible shrinking Nissan: Nissan continues to reduce its global operational footprint.
• RTX's GTF Advantage engine certified by European authorities: RTX's GTF Advantage engine received certification from European regulatory authorities.
• Opinion | Where Did All the Affordable Cars Go?: The New York Times examines factors behind rising costs of affordable cars.

.