CBO Rebuts Cost Concerns Over AM Radio Mandate

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 14, 2025 | 3:21pm CT

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

In a definitive response to automaker concerns, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a new cost estimate regarding the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025," signaling minimal financial impact from the proposed mandate. The legislation, which aims to ensure AM radio's availability in passenger vehicles, has been a topic of contention among vehicle manufacturers, particularly those in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

According to the CBO's report, the legislation, if enacted, would direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement rules making AM broadcast stations accessible in all new passenger vehicles sold or imported in the U.S. The mandate encompasses vehicles designed to carry up to 12 passengers but excludes motorcycles.

Despite claims from automakers that the addition of electromagnetic shielding or other modifications necessary to support AM radio would be costly, the CBO's findings contradict these claims. The office estimates that implementing these changes will involve "several millions of dollars" annually-a figure well below the significant financial burdens projected by some industry players. This estimate considers the updating of radio equipment in approximately 2 to 2.5 million vehicles annually, primarily affecting electric vehicles that have phased out AM radio compatibility.

Furthermore, the CBO projects that any direct federal spending required to enforce this legislation would be minimal, totaling around $1 million over five years, pending appropriation. Additionally, potential civil penalties levied on non-compliant manufacturers are expected to generate less than $500,000 over a decade.

The bill also includes provisions for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on AM radio's role in emergency communications, reinforcing the public safety benefits touted by proponents of the mandate.

In terms of regulatory impacts, the bill would preempt state and local regulations concerning AM radio access in vehicles, which the CBO notes would not significantly impact state or local government revenues.

This cost estimate marks the third instance wherein the CBO has challenged automaker assertions about the prohibitive costs of maintaining AM radio access, underlining a key federal stance on the issue's economic feasibility as the legislation continues to make its way through Congress.