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A newly proposed bill seeks to enforce the retention of AM radios in new-age vehicles, including electric vehicles made by big names likeElon Musk-ledTesla IncTSLA. Titled the AM for Every Vehicle Act, the bill aims to address concerns about the ability to communicate with the public during emergencies.

What Happened: Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)and Sen.Ed Markey(D-MA) introduced the bill, highlighting the importance of AM broadcast radio for emergency communication. The proposed legislation would direct theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationto ensure that all vehicles are equipped with AM radios at no additional cost.

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, AM radio stations have a long reach and can be accessed by anyone with a simple radio device, which functions even during power outages, natural disasters or other emergencies, providing critical updates and information to the public.

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Fine Print: Under the act, automakers that choose to exclude AM radios in their vehicles would be required to disclose this to customers prior to NHTSA regulation. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office will conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative communication systems as potential replacements for AM radios.

Why It Matters: EV makers have been eliminating AM radios from their vehicles, citing interference with electric powertrains. Several prominent automakers, includingBayerische Motoren Werke AG BMWYY,Ford Motor CoF,Mazda Motor CorpMZDAY,Polestar Automotive Holding UK PLCPSNY,Rivian Automotive IncRIVN, Tesla,Volkswagen AGVWAGY andVolvo ABVLVLY VOLVF have already removed AM radios from their vehicle models.

"I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas. Instead, Elon Musk and Tesla and other car manufacturers are putting public safety and emergency response at risk," Rep.Josh Gottheimer(D-NJ), a signatory on the bill, said.

Congress should act swiftly to pass this bill so Americans retain access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts on the public airwaves, Cruz said.

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