Q. Why are AM radios banished from motor vehicles?
A. Electromagnetic interference of EVs causes static in AM radios.

“BMW and Volvo told me it was due to audio quality problems rooted in electromagnetic interference, of which EVs’ [electric vehicles] drivetrains produce a significant amount.”
– “Auto-Makers are Starting to Drop AM Radio In New Cars. Here’s Why,” by Reporter James Gilboy

AM Radio Protection Bill in Congress
“AM radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023” by Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) was introduced into the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee May 18, 2023. Committee ranking member Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Markey are leading nine other members of Congress from both parties in support of the Act.
Provisions: Within a year after this becomes law, the Secretary of Transportation and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator must jointly issue a rule that requires:

• Devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations must be installed as standard equipment in motor vehicles manufactured in the U.S., imported into the U.S, or shipped in interstate commerce after the effective date of the rule;
• Dashboard access to AM broadcast stations must be installed and conspicuous to the driver. After the rule takes effect, manufacturers may comply by installing devices that are capable of receiving signals and playing content transmitted by digital audio AM broadcast stations as standard equipment in vehicles manufactured in the U.S., imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce.

Interim Requirement
Between the date the Act is enacted and the effective date of the required rule, motor vehicles manufactured in the U.S., imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce shall have clear and conspicuous labeling to inform buyers that the vehicles do not include devices that receive signals and play content via AM broadcast stations.

Penalty for Non-compliance
The U.S. Attorney General may sue violators in the appropriate U.S. district court.

Mandatory Research Study
The Comptroller General (CG) must study and assess whether an alternative system could:

• Reliably resiliently deliver to drivers and passengers alerts and critical information from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System as currently provided by AM radio.
• Reach 90 percent of the U.S. population in crises and at night as AM radio does.
• Assess the cost to drivers and passengers to receive communications via another system.

ACTION – Support. Ask senators and representatives to support AM radio by text AM52886 and/or call 1 877 762-8762. That number goes to a switchboard whereby you may and ask to be connected with senators and representatives.

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