President Signs Latta's Bill to Remove Unnecessary Regulations on America's Auto Dealers into Law

Press Release

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) released the following statement after President Obama signed H.R. 724, legislation he sponsored with Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI), into law. The legislation repeals a duplicative regulation that required auto dealers to provide new car buyers with proof that their vehicle complies with Clean Air Act emissions standards. Since the information included in the certificate is already available in a number of alternate locations and all vehicles must comply with the Clean Air Act prior to entering the stream of commerce, this regulatory requirement outlived its purpose.

"With hardworking Americans currently suffering under nearly $1.9 trillion in regulations, we must find ways to reduce unnecessary burdens and costs," said Latta. "This law, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, relieves auto dealers from bureaucratic red tape by removing an outdated mandate, which only generated extra paperwork and costs for consumers and auto dealers. It is also further proof that when we focus on issues where all sides can agree, like addressing regulatory redundancies through commonsense proposals, Congress can get work done."

Under the Clean Air Act, auto dealers were required to present the buyer with written confirmation that a visual inspection had been completed on a vehicle's emissions system. However, documentation certifying compliance can already be found under the hood or on the Internet. In addition, new-car dealers are contractually obligated to perform comprehensive pre-delivery inspections of the vehicle to ensure the emissions system is functioning properly.

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