May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Oversight and Government Reform: Markup Hearing on Automotive Driving Surcharges Act and Other Bills: The House Oversight Committee will meet May 20 to consider H.R. 8801, the DC Rejecting Oppressive Automotive Driving Surcharges Act, alongside other legislative items in Rayburn 2154.

Federal Government News

Commerce Amends Import Adjustment Offset Procedures for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Parts

The International Trade Administration amended procedures to allow medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers to claim offsets against tariffs imposed by Proclamation 10908 and 10984. Eligible manufacturers must submit production forecasts and vehicle value data. The offset, not transferable or tradable, remains valid until used. Oversight responsibilities are shared by Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with penalties for false submissions. Engine manufacturers will see similar processes established. Harmonized Tariff Schedule changes are included in this update. Public reporting is estimated at 40 hours per response under OMB 0690-0283.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Approves Illinois SIP for 2015 Ozone Standard Moderate Nonattainment Areas

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized approval of Illinois’ State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions for the Chicago and Metro East St. Louis areas. This approval covers 2023 motor vehicle emissions budgets, the inspection/maintenance program, nonattainment new source review program, and updated 2017 emissions inventories for VOC and NOₓ. The effective date for the rule is June 15, 2026; judicial review petitions are due by July 13.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Issues Limited Exclusion and Cease and Desist Orders for Semiconductor Devices

The International Trade Commission found violations of Section 337 by Innoscience regarding imports of certain semiconductor devices. The Commission issued limited exclusion and cease and desist orders prohibiting the unlicensed entry of infringing products. The investigation originated from Infineon Technologies’ complaint and concluded with a Commission vote on May 7.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Launches Unified Motor Carrier Registration System

FMCSA announced a new system of records merging all motor carrier registration functionalities, replacing the Unified Registration System and Licensing & Insurance System. The centralized database will enable tracking and compliance monitoring for carriers, brokers, and cargo tank facilities. The system supports oversight, consumer protection, and enforcement, with records accessible to authorized users via digital channels.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Receives Exemption Requests for Hearing Requirement in Commercial Driver Regulations

FMCSA received applications from 11 individuals seeking exemption from the hearing requirement to operate commercial vehicles interstate. The public comment period closes June 11, 2026, with final decisions following safety analysis and review under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1).

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025

Bill 1346 would permit year-round sales of E15 gasoline. The House passed the bill, which was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026

Bill 8730, aimed at automotive cybersecurity, was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as Ways and Means and Foreign Affairs for jurisdictional review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Gas Tax Suspension Act

Bill 4485 was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance, targeting a temporary suspension of gasoline taxes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Made in America Manufacturing Finance Acts

Bills 3174 and 1555 have entered committee hearings in both the House and Senate for manufacturing finance support, with testimony before the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

CHARGE Act

Bill 8768 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and seeks to address infrastructure for electric vehicle charging.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Stellantis and Leapmotor go big, plus in the US: 'Save us from Chinese EVs!': Stellantis and Leapmotor expand operations amid U.S. calls to restrict Chinese EV imports.
• U.S. manufacturers urge Trump to keep Chinese vehicles out: U.S. auto producers formally request new administration to block Chinese electric vehicles from entering the U.S. market.
• Europe's EV investments near 200 billion euros, New Automotive data shows: European electric vehicle investments have approached €200 billion according to industry data.
• Hormuz closure extends well beyond oil to threaten Chinese EVs: Disruption at the Strait of Hormuz poses risks to Chinese EV supply chains beyond oil shipments.
• US EPA proposes delaying enforcement of Biden vehicle pollution rule: The EPA is considering postponing enforcement of recent federal vehicle emissions standards.
• US House passes bill allowing year-round sales of E15 gasoline: Legislation enabling year-round E15 gasoline sales has cleared the House.
• An Ethanol Extortion Play: Discussion of ethanol policy challenges and implications for U.S. farm bill negotiations.
• U.S. Airlines and Carmakers Need to Go Global: Commentary on the global strategies required for U.S.-based airlines and automakers.
• India raises export duty on petrol, cuts those on diesel and aviation fuel: India has increased export duty on petrol while reducing those on diesel and aviation fuel.

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