The ESSENTIAL Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation to repeal or eliminate any federal rules, policies, or incentives that promote or require automakers to install start-stop engine technology in vehicles within one year of the bill's enactment. Start-stop technology automatically shuts off a vehicle's engine when stopped and restarts it when the driver accelerates, a feature regulators have encouraged to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The bill prevents these agencies from issuing similar rules in the future, though they may retain regulations if eliminating them would increase carbon monoxide poisoning risks. The legislation requires the agencies to report to Congress on their progress at 180 days and one year after enactment. This bill would primarily affect vehicle manufacturers and consumers by removing federal pressure to adopt this emissions-reduction technology.
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