AMAC Exclusive – By Aaron Flanigan
In recent weeks, the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against Michigan’s “Big Three” automakers has thrust the debate over President Joe Biden’s proposed electric vehicle (EV) mandate into the spotlight. But as Democrats in Washington, D.C., look to force every American into an electric car – destroying the U.S. automotive industry in the process – one group is fighting back.
The Save Our Cars Coalition (SOCC) describes itself as a collection of organizations “committed to safeguarding American consumers’ freedom to choose the car or truck that perfectly suits their needs.” The UAW strikes have made the importance of SOCC’s work especially clear, as Biden’s EV mandate would not only limit Americans’ choice in buying a car, but also destroy an estimated 117,000 jobs in the auto industry.
“Our belief centers on fostering a competitive market where innovation and consumer preference, not governments, drive product offering and promote a dynamic and responsive automobile industry,” the coalition says.
Among the dozens of members of SOCC are AMAC, the America First Policy Institute, the Conservative Partnership Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the Independent Women’s Forum, along with other conservative-aligned advocacy groups and think tanks. According to the group’s website, members of SOCC “uphold the principle that the government should refrain from favoring specific vehicles or industries within the marketplace” and “believe that automobile manufacturers should be free to produce the types of vehicles that consumers want to buy, not just the ones that governments compel them to make.”
The rise of groups like SOCC has come thanks in large part to the soaring cost of automobiles as a result of liberal government policies like Biden’s proposed EV mandate. According to the Detroit Free Press, the “number of car buyers paying $1,000 or more a month to finance a new vehicle” recently reached an all-time high. Moreover, approximately one in three car buyers are taking out six- to seven-year loans on used vehicles to make monthly payments more affordable—even though only one percent of auto loans lasted that long in 2004.
To make matters worse, climbing interest rates are leading to skyrocketing loan rates for both new and used cars—and the average used car loan has reached a whopping 125 percent of the car’s original value. Meanwhile, more and more drivers are falling behind on their car payments, and Biden’s war on American energy has yielded sky-high gas prices.
Thankfully, SOCC—with the help of Republicans in Congress and other conservative organizations—is taking steps to reverse the liberal policies that are killing the automotive industry and American car culture.
Last month, House Republicans—with eight Democrats joining—passed the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which holds that California cannot use its waiver authority under the Clean Air Act to ban internal combustion engine vehicles (California has proposed a ban on internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035). Though the bill is likely to face an uphill battle in the Senate, its passage in the House suggests increasing bipartisan momentum to counter the left’s EV obsession.
Last month, the D.C. Circuit also heard several key cases regarding the Biden administration’s EV proposals. According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, one of the cases, State of Texas et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency, could potentially “thwart the EPA’s ambition to restructure a major portion of the U.S. economy without a clear authorization from Congress.”
The second case concerns the CAFE Standards, which under the Obama administration required cars and light-duty trucks to average 54.5 miles per gallon of gasoline by 2025—up from 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016. Biden has sought to impose similar standards.
Other countries which have introduced similar policies to the ones now being pushed by Biden and many Democrats are notably already reversing course. Last month, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that he is delaying his proposed ban on gas-powered cars, citing the “unacceptable costs” the bans would have imposed on ordinary people.
Though Sunak still intends to impose the full ban in 2035 instead of 2030, his acknowledgement of the ban’s effect on working class people is an encouraging sign not only for the future of the automobile industry, but also for a lower cost of living and higher quality of life.
“Cars are not merely vehicles. They are integral to the American way of life,” SOCC president Thomas Pyle said in a recent interview. “Our ultimate goal is to get us to a place where consumers, not the government, are driving the auto market in the future.”
As the battle to save American cars, American freedom, and the American way of life marches forward, SOCC will continue to have a vital role to play—and it remains clear that they are just getting started.
Additional information regarding SOCC can be found on their website.
Aaron Flanigan is the pen name of a writer in Washington, D.C.
I drive a 30-year old Ford Ranger so I’m already part of the “movement”! It has 135K miles on it so still has lots of life to go. I just wish gas wasn’t over $5/gallon….
Who’s running “Jackass” Joe’s campaign strategy? His son, Hunter?
Great strategy! . . . Push Electronic Cars when one of your BIGGEST supporters is the United Auto Workers Union!
SMART, REALLY SMART!
This is the beginning with mandating. Next comes how we live, where we live, where we can go, what we can eat and what to wear. They already have mandated what we can say, see monitoring Twitter/X comments. Or as ole Joe says what if there is disinformation on X. He and his administration think we are all stupid and can’t make up our own minds about what is said on X. Ever hear of free speech Joe and freedom of thought. That is what living in a free country means. Ole Joe thinks we have to all agree with him. Anyone having a different opinion is a terrorist. He lives in a communist world and thinks that he is creating Utopia.
Watch out America before long every aspect of your life is being mandated from the White House.
The government forcing electric vehicles on us, coupled with the auto unions determined to inflict damage on the auto companies make it appear that at least one of the companies will be wiped out financially. Why would the workers destroy them?
Biggest fail in Bidens anti car approach is nearly all of rural America would be left behind. Our nearest public transit stop is over 5 miles from our house so we do not even have the option. So once again liberal policies would leave over half the nation’s population behind.
The facts are clear; Biden and COMRADES are continuing their quest to destroy, and make life even more difficult for all all Americans. John Q Public SUFFERS during which the bad guys continue to destroy and promote destruction!!
To me, this isn’t just a war on cars, it’s a war on the petroleum industry and the American people!! Most Americans are tired of the federal government “mandates” on us and want them to stop!! It’s about control!! Next election I want to see people who are suggesting balanced budgets, America first, closed borders, a reduction in executive orders, no more mandates, no pushing of obnoxious and ridiculous laws and rules against the people, a strong candidate on foreign policy, and stop with all the environmental crap!!!
What the Biden Administration is doing to America is criminal. a Free Country like America shouldn’t allow government to mandate anything!!!!!
I will NEVER drive one of those EV’s. They are a fire hazard, too expensive and you also have to spend extra to put a ‘charger’ in your garage. When Biden’s Air Force one becomes all electric, then I’ll do it. But Butthead Biden only does and says what Obama and Soros (and other commies) tell him to say and do. We
Capitalism spurs great inventions and results in product improvement as manufacturers work to gain customers. No one had to be forced to buy a refridgerator, a TV, a computer, or give up their horse and buggy for an automobile. By forcing us to buy an EV, manufacturers will be less inclined to develop better products. They will be encouraged only to offer a complying vehicle at a lower price in order to gain market share. Socialists view markets as something to manipulate for political advantage. If enough people believe EVs are the way to go, manufacturers will respond with improved and less expensive products. And what makes us think that EVs are the only solution for lowering carbon emission? Joe Biden has never worked in the private sector, nor have many of the political hacks in his administration. They believe in centralized control. Remember how that worked out for the Soviet Union, Cuba and Venezuela.
I remember when coffee in many fast food restaurants was nearly undrinkable. Starbucks changed the national coffee drinkers expectations and coffee improved in many other places. That was the result of the free market, not some government hack deciding that something had to be done.
Everything you need to know about the Democrats and their agenda is contained in their hatred of making America great again. They think making America great is a radical terrorist idea. They want to see it destroyed. That’s all you need to know about the Democrats. And always remember if their lips are moving they are lying
Bravo Choice needed Thanks IE SOC
Dems increase taxes big time AND spend spend, spend our $$$$ at the same time they choose to have ZERO Insight to situation.
There is no way that someone on Social Security could ever afford a new vehicle, even if I wanted one, which I don’t. I like the old ones that are simpler.. All the computers in new vehicles are a bunch of crap and the EVs are a piece of sh*t.
Politicians Cannot do Math. Politicians cannot Balance Budgets! In Texas we are a state of almost 30 Million people. On Hot and or Cold days ERCOT the Electric Management Company in Texas is asking us to conserve Energy as we are maxed out. They have no margins in the Power Plants. We could no more add 20 Million Vehicles to the Power Grid then we can produce More Usable Water. The EV Costs are not Affordable! Living in West Texas and having long distances between Charging Stations it simple is not feasible. Driving Trucks and Tractors for Cattle ranching and farming hauling cattle and loads of hay, battery powered vehicles are a Panacea! Like Obama’s Solyndra the 80 BILLION Failed Solar Startup it is another Government Boondoggle and a PAYOFF to the Supporters of BIDEN
How do you reason with insane enabled by others who are just as mentally limited?
Has anybody even asked the question of the Constitutional validity of of these kinds of government bans and requirements? I don’t see anything in the Constitution that grants these kinds of power to the government.
As usual, this joke of an administration is wrong again. They haven’t done anything right from the start. This is a blazing dumpster fire.
All the alphabet bureaucracies, agencies and departments in the federal government are insults to the U. S. Constitution. The Constitution gives the federal government exactly 17 responsibilities/powers. Everything else they do is unconstitutional. Congress members violate their Oaths of Office on a daily basis. We the People are supposed to be the Bosses, NOT the politicians and bureaucrats. It is long past the time we stood up and protected our rights and demanded our government comply with the “law of the land”, the U. S. Constitution. An organization called Tactical Civics (TM) has the answer to what WE can do to bring our government into compliance with the Constitution. They have a plan that will recover the government we are supposed to have. Phase one is educating the public. It will only take 1/2 of 1% of the population to set the government on the right track using constitutional law as intended. I urge you all to check out TacticalCivics dot com. If you join, you will have access to all of their educational materials in downloaded PDF format for free. Membership is $5/month or $50/annually. If you prefer actual books, they are available from Amazon at very reasonable prices.
Instead of complaining, it is time to get involved. The 1st book is “The Great We-Set” by David M. Zuniga. It lays out the plan and explains the laws we must use to bring about a change in our government to get back to the Constitution as intended. If your county doesn’t already have a chapter for you to join, start one!
Even as retirees, voting is NOT our only option. We can do so much more.
RIGHT ON SOCC!!!
My 20+ year old Saturn still gets 34MPG and starts every morning.
Why don’t we all tell biden, to take a hike to the middle east….
Someone should dive an electric car with the doors open up Brandons butt.
When they don’t sell maybe the manufactures will get the message.
I drive a 2006 Ford Mustang GT which is closing in on 187K miles. When I bought the car in 2013 it already had 147K miles so I have not driven it much over those years. Our auto industry should produce vehicles based on what the consumer needs and wants. The majority of consumers do not want overpriced, highly impractical electric cars that the government wants to mandate on the market. Government is too intrusive in our industries now and needs to get out of the mandating mindset. Let the market decide what we want. This is history repeating itself like in the 1970’s and 1980’s when the government pushed the auto industry into little econoboxes when consumers wanted SUVs and pickup trucks. Government should act like physicians and do no harm to the patient or in this case the auto industry. I wouldn’t own an electric car if they gave me one, put in a free charging station in my home and paid my electric bill.
No person has that type of authority and should be told “jump off the cliff”, as biased, and paid shill of some obscure money handouts.
How do they get away with it. ruining our freedoms, ruining our economy, ruining our energy sources. A poll here in my state showed that 13% of folks would risk freezing themselves and their families to death this winter rather than invest in coal or gas to keep the power grid running. This is how America is going down the tubes. People cannot think rationally anymore.
Its another part of the Progressive agenda, to disarm Americans of their firerms and get them out of the big gas guzzling polluter muscle cars. suvs, and pickups that power responsible self reliance and liberty.
The vulnerability of our country’s electric grid has already been demonstrated by rogue anarchist groups shooting up substations in North Carolina and Washington. Don’t think for a minute that this wasn’t a test of the entire system and it’s inherent weakness. Our country better wake up and understand the real threats to our freedom and our way of life.
Destroying 17k auto workers jobs is just the tip of the iceberg. As more EV are on the road it will force gas stations to close as sales volumes drop; then many repair mechanics will loose jobs as the EV’s are to complicated for most small shops to maintain. Next will be the aftermarket parts suppliers as most people won’t be able to work on the car themselves….. and it just goes on and on.
It is the Consumer’s Choice. NOT the government.
I do not care if he is on crack? or a coca cola addiction high, ??? He is dedicated and is stepping up to the plate to fight for USA!!!!!
How about a flat tax so EVERYONE pays?
The elitists have forgotten the middle class in this country.
Where is the Biden corvette these days? Has it been converted to EV?
I’m quite sick actually of hearing “Joe’s war” on anything. We all know who’s calling the shots and it ain’t Joe. It’s time to tell voters: you got two choices. Freedom through our constitution or communism. Pretty simple.
The federal government has been picking winners and losers ever since Lincoln instituted business-government partnerships.
California can band internal combustion engine vehicles indirectly by making emission standards so restrictive that none can comply.
Simply – this is ASININE (Extremely Stupid and Foolish). With All the Regulations from 40, 50 years ago, TODAY FOSIL FUELS ARE CLEAN ENERGY. No need to point out that None of these Liberal Climate Control Idiots are Living By Example, NONE. None drive All Electric Cars from the West Coast to the East Coast, NONE. None have ALL Solar and or Wind Power Homes, NONE. They Lock the Doors to Their Homes, But Do Not Lock the Countries Doors at the Border. ASISINE IDIOTS. None, Run Their Households the Way They Want Us to Live, NONE. Case Closed! Remember, ASININE Idiots who have No Common Sense.
Look at what the Political Elites fly in (huge jet fuel guzzling jets). Look at what they ride in Huge gas guzzling SUV’s. They are the polluters of carbons to our planet. What are the thermostats set on in the White House? These preachers of climate & global warning are the worse of the worse! Such Hyprocites accusing us of being the problem. Our Southern Border being open & illegals and drugs pour into the country. More people, more problems, more crime, more demand for electric, gas, water, food, jobs,vehicles….More pollution ? The Democrats are don’t care about America, only their power to destroy! INDUSTRIAL STRENGHT HYPROCITES.
In 2019 I bought what I’m hoping is my last car (gas) it is now almost paid. I like driving for free, especially now my insurance just went up $600 more for this year ( no tickets, no claims). At this rate I can’t even think about replacing my car. Because of this gov. We will soon live like 3rd countrys. They want us to eat bugs while they are eating g steak and lobster. All over 70 need to be kicked out or HUNG.
The political deep State socialist globalist wealthy elite tyrants have their money invested in this solar/electric crap. All based on pushing a climate warming theory, carbon LIE/HOAX! The elite stand to reap a virtual fortune. Especially off the backs of us middle class, forcing all of us into it. Forcing us into one energy source (solar/electric) is a MONOPOLY! Monopolies violate ANTI-TRUST LAWS. There has been no law suits or contesting by our Representatives? As constitutionally free Americans we should be able to FREELY choose from MANY different energy sources, at a reasonable price, NOT just ONE energy source! That’s FREEDOM! Common sense says our electric grid is old and outdated. It cannot handle all this purposed solar/electric b.s. This is about power and control. Wake up friends! We The People Are The Government and Sovereign
Biden and his ilk are irrational, egocentric, illogical, can only think short-term and ignore the interests and concerns of those who are not of their elitist class, their wealth and lining their own pockets. God help us.
I have a 20 yt.old Jeep Liberty LTD with over 200,000 miles on it it doesn’t leak oil or Smoke and runs like a top and good physical shape.And I couldn’t afford a new one because I live on a fixed income.And gas here where I live is almost $4.00 dollars a gallon, And we have governor who shutdown the oil production in our state and that’s where 3/4 of income comes from…
Yup the useful idiots aka most unionists that are supporting the leftist democrats that took over the workers party,have now joined the globalist elites party.
Nobody with any sense wants an EV they are junk not reliable! Lithium batteries SUCK! They are destroying another manufacturer in the U.S. The more they try to push these EV’s the more I dig my heels in deeper! I believe There has to be some monetary gain for them It’s obvious!
This push for all electric vehicles, cars, buses, trucks, etc., is a joke to anyone who can make use of their brain. Obviously those in our Government apparently do not possess two working braincells to rub together. Take California for instance. Even if you do not have people trying to charge their cars, that State is continually plagued by brown outs and power interruptions because they cannot produce enough electricity to even keep the AC running. Then there is the question of suppose they actually force this through to fullfil their demands, what do they plan to do with all of the fuel powered vehicles on the roads today? What about the gas stoves they want to do away with? What about the dead batteries that will eventually be resulting from the use of all those electric vehicles? What is the plan for the average worker, or for that matter those unemployed and/or the masses of “undocumented” or Welfare folks who cannot afford the price of an electric vehicle? Then let us think of the never ending infrastructure issues. Electric vehicles weigh substantially more than the average gas powered vehicle. More weight, more wear and tear on our roadways. Oh joy, more and more and more construction and rebuilding of our roadways.
Doesn’t anyone in our Government ever ask the simple question of “If we do this then what follows?”, or do they just blindly leap forward thinking they will cross that bridge when they come to it. By then it may be too late. They somehow must have missed the Action vs Reaction part of their education.
Mandating ‘anything’ is not constitutional. You will not have incandescent lights, you will get vaccinated, you will accept that MAGA supporters are extremists, you will buy electric cars, you will eat bugs, you are guilty until proven innocent…..makes me sick.
Why do people of this country, think there cant be a revolution in this country ,like other countrie’s. ??? Our freedom was founded in revalution. Kyle L.
For this SOCC to have a chance at influencing the dictates of the federal government, you would need a POTUS in the White House that believes in capitalism and a like-minded Congress. Currently we have a socialist regime in power and socialism believes in the power of the government to dictate and direct private industry to do as they say through intimidation and, if necessary, force via the imposition of onerous regulations to bring the market to heel.
Both the CAFE standards, which are purely arbitrary numbers put forth by the federal government to force compliance from the auto industry to produce the type of products the federal government wants produced, and the ever-escalating EPA emission standards, which are also determined arbitrarily by the federal government to drive product direction, have created a situation where inefficient and costly EVs are the ONLY automotive product permissible by the federal government. This is how we have ended up in a situation where we, as a society, are now moving backwards in terms of affordable and desirable personal transportation options for the masses. Which is exactly what the federal government wants under this socialist regime.
The list of organizations that make up the SOCC no doubt already knows all this, so aside from fund raising for their respective member organizations, there is no hope of changing the current mandates from this administration. What is needed is what I have already outlined in my first paragraph. That means a different administration in the White House (meaning Trump because none of the other candidates will have the guts to take on the system) and a Congress under majority control of Republicans actually willing to do their jobs instead of just going along to get along. Short of that, this SOCC is just a nice idea with no real chance of getting anything substantial done.