Legislation requiring cars and trucks, including electric vehicles, to have AM radios easily cleared a House committee Wednesday, although it could run into opposition going forward.
H.R. 979, the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” would require the Department of Transportation to enforce the mandate through a rulemaking. It passed the Energy and Commerce Committee by a 50-1 vote. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) was the only “no.”
The idea has drawn support in both chambers, with proponents saying AM radio is a crucial source of emergency information, particularly in rural areas.
“Coming from Florida, my constituents and I know quite well how crucial AM radio is for receiving emergency alerts during hurricane season,” said sponsor Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.). “To people stuck without electricity or internet during a national disaster, AM radio is their lifeline to critical and life-saving information.”
