A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "ESSENTIAL Act," directs the EPA Administrator and the Secretary of Transportation to repeal or rescind certain regulations related to engine idle start-stop technology. It requires these officials to remove any actions that encourage, incentivize, promote, or require vehicle manufacturers to equip cars and trucks with this technology. The bill prevents the issuance of similar future policies once the current ones are rescinded. An exception is made if the repeal would increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, the bill mandates two joint reports to Congress regarding the implementation of these repeals.
Yes
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Vehicle manufacturers are relieved of the regulatory requirement to implement and promote start-stop technology.
- Scored +2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill reduces regulatory burdens on vehicle manufacturers by rescinding requirements for engine idle start-stop technology.
- Scored +1
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
By limiting federal regulatory mandates on vehicle technology, the bill reduces the scope of federal agency authority.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The repeal of incentives for engine idle start-stop technology will likely reduce fuel efficiency and increase carbon emissions from vehicles.
- Scored -2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Removing fuel-saving technologies may lead to higher long-term vehicle fuel costs for all households.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Protection against carbon monoxide risks: The bill includes a provision that prevents the repeal of actions if it is determined that doing so would result in an increased risk of carbon0 monoxide poisoning (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Removal of engine idle start-stop technology incentives: The bill requires the repeal of any actions, initiatives, or policies that are designed to encourage, incentivize, promote, or require manufacturers to install engine idle start-stop technology in vehicles (Section 2(a)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The repeal of incentives for engine idle start-stop technology will likely reduce fuel efficiency and increase carbon emissions from vehicles.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill reduces regulatory burdens on vehicle manufacturers by rescinding requirements for engine idle start-stop technology.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Vehicle manufacturers are relieved of the regulatory requirement to implement and promote start-stop technology. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Removing fuel-saving technologies may lead to higher long-term vehicle fuel costs for all households.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — By limiting federal regulatory mandates on vehicle technology, the bill reduces the scope of federal agency authority.
- 11/20/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho