House rejects EPA truck emissions rule, Biden may veto.

The House of Representatives voted on May 23 to overturn the Biden administration’s rule on heavy-duty vehicles’ tailpipe emissions, dealing a blow to the president’s environmental agenda in a closely divided Congress. This is the forerunner to an expected Biden veto.

The legislation would roll back a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for trucks in December 2022. The rule, which can be read here, “sets stronger emissions standards to further reduce air pollution, including pollutants that create ozone and particulate matter, from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year 2027,” according to the EPA.

Heavy-duty vehicles are those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) above 8,500 pounds. Heavier light-duty pickup trucks such as the Ford F-250 and the Chevy Silverado 2500 have GVWRs that top out above that, as do even heavier pickups like the Ford F-350.

The legislation passed the House 221-203. Four Democrats crossed the aisle to join 217 Republicans in backing the measure.

Lawmakers Back and Forth

Republicans voiced their concerns over the rule’s practicality and downstream effects. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who spearheaded efforts in the House, said the EPA’s regulation “will significantly increase the costs of heavy-duty vehicles.”

“Woke bureaucrats in Washington are on a climate justice crusade,” he said.

Democrats touted the supposed benefits of the EPA’s actions, which they claim will significantly reduce harmful pollution traceable to nitrogen oxides in a technologically and economically feasible manner.

“This rule is completely achievable. That’s why industry is generally supportive,” said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), the ranking member of Rodgers’ energy committee.

Veto Would Continue a Biden Trend

Biden’s anticipated veto would mark the latest such action by the president to shield his work on energy, the environment, and climate from Republican-led joint resolutions.

On May 16, he took down legislation to restore tariffs on some solar panels traceable to China.

In April, Biden vetoed a measure that would have overturned his new water rule.