June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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 Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on U.S. Technology Leadership: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing titled 'American Global Competitiveness at 250: Legislative Proposals to Secure U.S. Technology Leadership' in Rayburn 2123 on June 30, 2026.

Federal Government News

EPA Revokes 2024 Amendments to Hazardous Air Pollutant Standards for Rubber Tire Manufacturing

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to remove the 2024 amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Rubber Tire Manufacturing, following Congressional disapproval signed into law as Public Law 119-14. The revocation nullifies recently established air emission standards for the rubber processing subcategory, returning requirements to those in effect under the 2020 final rule. This action, taken under the Congressional Review Act, also reverts compliance provisions, performance test requirements, and reporting standards to the prior regulatory framework. The estimated regulatory cost savings are $163 million in present value. EPA has stated this action is ministerial and not subject to public comment, with the 2024 amendments officially having no legal effect since the joint resolution's enactment.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CPSC Issues Proposed Rule Addressing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks in Micromobility Products

The Consumer Product Safety Commission published a proposed rule to address risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products, including eBikes, eScooters, eSkateboards, and related devices. The proposal incorporates by reference revised UL standards and would require compliance with performance, construction, and labeling modifications. Key changes include requirements for tamper-resistant battery enclosures, post-discharge charge tests for battery management systems, and new warnings regarding incompatible chargers and homemade batteries. The rule would also apply to aftermarket chargers and eBike conversion kits, with an effective date proposed for 180 days after publication. The CPSC estimates the annualized benefits for injury and fire mitigation could reach $61 million, while costs are projected at $147 million, and has requested public comment on the proposal.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Responds to Petition by Proposing Delayed Compliance Date for FMVSS No. 210 Anchorage Standard in Heavy Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to extend the compliance date for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210, 'Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages,' for vehicles over 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs.) gross vehicle weight. The new proposed date is September 1, 2030, while vehicles at or below that rating remain at September 1, 2027. The extension responds to a petition from the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association citing practicability concerns and design resource burdens for heavy-duty vehicle platforms. Minor technical corrections for force application device figures are also included in the draft. Comments may be submitted until July 27, 2026, through the Federal Register docket.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Seeks Comments on Tire and Rim Labeling and Recordkeeping Information Collection (49 CFR Part 569, 571.110, 571.120 & 574)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a notice and request for comments regarding its renewal of information collection approvals covering compliance and labeling of motor vehicle tires and rims. The annual burden is now projected at 278,913 hours and $1,007,620 in total annual cost, attributable to increased numbers of vehicles and components subject to the requirements. The collection covers manufacturers, retreaders, and vehicle makers, requiring them to maintain records and ensure accurate labeling to prevent mismatching and associated safety risks. Comments are requested by August 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Seeks Input on Tire Purchaser Identification and Recordkeeping Burden

NHTSA is requesting public feedback on its intention to reinstate a previously approved information collection requirement covering the recording and maintenance of names and addresses of first purchasers of new tires and motor vehicles. The collection, mandated by federal law, supports notification to purchasers in event of tire defects or noncompliance. The estimated annual burden is 438,480 hours at a total cost of $2,499,000, spread across over nine million respondents that include manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and consumers. Electronic submission is becoming increasingly common, potentially reducing postage expenses, and comments are due by August 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9453 Would Amend Clean Air Act to Limit Vehicle and Grid-Related Regulations

H.R. 9453 proposes to amend the Clean Air Act to preserve consumer vehicle choice, protect the electric grid, and impose regulatory limits. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Senate Bill 4931 Seeks to Amend Clean Air Act on Vehicle Choice and Grid Issues

S. 4931 addresses amendments to the Clean Air Act aimed at maintaining consumer vehicle choice and protecting the electric grid. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4936 Directs NHTSA to Develop Safety Standards for Low-Speed Motor Vehicle Incidents

S. 4936 requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle safety standard focused on reducing injury and death in low-speed incidents involving motor vehicles, especially those affecting children and vulnerable road users. The bill is referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4908 Would Require NHTSA to Reevaluate Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards

S. 4908 instructs the Administrator of NHTSA to initiate a process for reevaluating corporate average fuel economy standards. The measure was read twice and sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

House Committee Reports on Travel and Safety Bills

The Improving Travel for American Families Act (H.R. 8897) and the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 (H.R. 8770) were both ordered to be reported by the House with strong bipartisan votes, addressing transportation, travel, and public safety concerns.

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

What We're Reading This Week

• US automotive quality increased industrywide last year, with Ford taking top honors: Ford led gains as industrywide vehicle quality improved last year, according to a new report.
• Polestar blocked from selling cars in U.S. over national security concerns: The U.S. government has barred Polestar from selling vehicles domestically, citing national security issues.
• US cranks up pressure on China EVs with Polestar ban: The U.S. escalated restrictions targeting Chinese electric vehicle entrants by blocking Polestar sales authorization.
• Opinion | It’s Ugly. It Costs $640,000. Everyone Is Mad About It but Me.: Commentary discusses a newly released, high-priced Ferrari electric vehicle that's drawing mixed reactions.
• EV demand powers Europe car market in May, Chinese rivals expand share: European passenger car sales in May were driven by EV demand while Chinese manufacturers gained market share.
• Trump accuses oil companies of gouging drivers, orders DOJ to investigate: President Trump directed the Justice Department to probe possible price gouging by oil companies over gas prices.
• Biggest job cuts by global automakers: Global automotive firms announced major workforce reductions amid ongoing industry transitions.
• Chinese EV makers are shut out of India - but their tech isn't: Chinese electric vehicle companies cannot sell cars in India, yet core technologies are still entering the market.
• Trump White House asks Congress to approve year-round E15 gasoline sales: The administration requests legislative approval for year-round sales of E15 ethanol blend gasoline.

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