Lawmakers in Congress are considering making automakers keep AM radio in all new vehicles because of a public safety concern that some people will miss critical emergency alerts without it.

Some automakers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo and BMW, are already eliminating AM radio from electric vehicles because the battery interferes with radio signals.

Ford had announced it would eliminate AM radios in gas and electric vehicles in 2024, but changed course after hearing the criticism.

“When hurricanes, tornadoes or other natural disasters strike, AM radio remains steadfast, providing vital information to those in affected areas when other communication channels fail,” Chair Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, said during a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing Tuesday.

A representatives for automakers told the subcommittee that the industry takes “the safety of consumers and the public seriously,” but that there is a federal system — the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System — that provides multiple alert options that will ensure people can get emergency information, according to a report in Detroit News.

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, said she believes that without the help of AM radio, “we are not adequately prepared to reach all Americans in the event of a disaster,” according to the report.

Last month more than 100 members of Congress sent a letter to automakers who had planned to eliminate AM radio inquiring about access to emergency information some people, especially those in rural areas, would miss without it.

Lawmakers subsequently came up with the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to mandate that new vehicles include AM radio at no extra cost to consumers.

This article appeared on Emergency Management News and is shared with consent: https://www.govtech.com/em/preparedness/lawmakers-want-to-keep-am-radio-in-cars-for-public-safety