RAAM Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill seeks to remove federal fuel efficiency mandates and prevent state-level fuel economy regulations, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens on auto manufacturers and potentially lower vehicle costs.
What it actually does
This bill repeals Chapter 329 of title 49, United States Code, thereby eliminating Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for motor vehicles starting with model year 2029. It also includes numerous conforming amendments to related statutes and explicitly preempts states and local governments from establishing their own fuel economy standards.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that CAFE standards increase the cost of vehicles, limit consumer choice by pushing manufacturers towards smaller, less powerful, or electric vehicles, and that eliminating them will restore affordability and allow market forces to dictate vehicle design. They also contend that a national, uniform standard prevents a patchwork of state regulations that complicate manufacturing and increase costs.
Opponents contend
Opponents would argue that repealing CAFE standards would lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, worsen air quality, increase consumer fuel costs over the long term, and make the U.S. more dependent on foreign oil. They would also contend that eliminating state authority to set standards removes an important mechanism for environmental protection and innovation.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are easily identifiable, making it accessible for a quick review.
Section 2(a)
Elimination of CAFE Standards
This provision directly repeals Chapter 329 of title 49, United States Code, which is the legal basis for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. This means that, starting with model year 2029, automobile manufacturers would no longer be required to meet federal fuel efficiency targets for their vehicle fleets.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this repeal reduces regulatory burden on manufacturers, lowers vehicle costs for consumers, and allows market demand, rather than government mandates, to drive vehicle production and innovation.
Critics contend
Critics contend that eliminating CAFE standards will lead to increased pollution, higher fuel consumption, and greater reliance on fossil fuels, undermining climate goals and consumer savings at the pump.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between promoting consumer affordability and choice in vehicles versus achieving environmental protection goals and reducing energy dependence.
Section 2(c)
Technical and Conforming Amendments
This section makes numerous technical changes to various federal laws, including the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and other parts of title 49, United States Code. These amendments remove outdated references to the repealed CAFE standards and adjust definitions of terms like 'automobile,' 'dedicated automobile,' and 'dual fueled automobile' to ensure consistency with the elimination of the standards. It also modifies judicial review procedures.
Section 3
National Fuel Economy Policy and State Preemption
This section declares that regulating fuel economy standards for motor vehicles sold in interstate commerce is exclusively a federal power. Crucially, it explicitly prohibits states and their political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing their own laws or regulations related to fuel economy standards for automobiles. It also clarifies that individuals and entities involved in the auto industry have a right to be free from such state-level regulations.
Redefines "automobile" for purposes of related statutes, specifying a 4-wheeled vehicle propelled by fuel or alternative fuel, manufactured for public road use, and rated at less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, with specific exclusions (rail, multi-stage vehicles under 10,000/year, work trucks).
Section 2(c)(1)(B) and Section 2(c)(4)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure consistency across the U.S. Code after a major repeal, ensuring that other relevant regulations continue to apply to the correct category of vehicles.
Case for: Ensures that other relevant regulations continue to apply to the correct category of vehicles, preventing unintended regulatory gaps or overreach in areas like consumer product energy information.
Case against: No direct opposition to the technical redefinition itself, but the scope of what constitutes an "automobile" can have significant implications for future regulatory efforts if fuel economy standards were ever to be reinstated or replaced.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the scope of remaining vehicle-related regulations, preventing ambiguity for federal agencies and auto manufacturers.
Amends the judicial review section for chapter 331 of title 49, United States Code, to remove specific references to CAFE standards and establish a general process for challenging regulations under that chapter in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Section 2(c)(9)
Why it matters:This is a necessary cleanup after the repeal of Chapter 329, ensuring that judicial review mechanisms remain functional for other regulations within the broader subtitle, maintaining due process.
Case for: Maintains an avenue for judicial oversight of agency regulations, ensuring due process and accountability for parties affected by rules promulgated under the relevant chapter of title 49.
Case against: No direct opposition to the procedural update itself; however, the scope of what regulations can be challenged under this framework is tied to the broader legislative intent of the bill.
Estimated impact: Ensures continued legal recourse for parties affected by regulations under the relevant chapter of title 49, maintaining an important check on administrative power.