Merkley introduces ‘Zero-Emission Vehicles Act,’ would require 43% of new car sales be electric by 2027, 100% by 2035

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Senator Jeff Merkley, D-OR, and Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) led colleagues Thursday in a bicameral introduction of the Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Act. They said the legislation would position the United States to lead the world both in vehicle innovation and combating climate chaos.

Here's the senator's news release on the legislation:

“Electric vehicles mean cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Senator Merkley. “Emissions from fossil powered vehicles contribute greatly to climate chaos, so a rapid transition to electric vehicles is essential. This transition will create good jobs while making America the epicenter for the clean car revolution.”

“The U.S. must lead the way in electric vehicle technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, and sales. Congress has already created incentives that make it easier for drivers to transition to electric vehicles, while supporting a just workforce transition to a clean economy, but we must do more,” said Rep. Levin. “The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will accelerate EV adoption to help us reduce the negative public health impacts from air pollution and tackle climate change at the pace demanded by science. I’m proud to partner with Senator Merkley in reintroducing this legislation to take a leap towards a clean energy future.”

Over the last several years, Congress has passed policies that are already helping accelerate the transition to clean vehicles, including electric vehicle incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, historic investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and supercharging domestic chip manufacturing capabilities through the CHIPS and Science Act.

The ZEV Act would require a certain percentage of new car sales to be electric vehicles each year, beginning with 43% in 2027, through 100% in 2035.

In addition to Merkley, this bill is also sponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). In addition to Levin, this bill is also sponsored by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

Full bill text of the ZEV Act can be found by clicking here.