Biden EPA’s New Vehicle Emissions Standards Spark Backlash From Auto Industry, Republicans

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for cars and trucks, which has caused concern among auto industry leaders and politicians alike.

John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation trade organization, wrote in an April 12 blog post that the EPA’s plan sets “automotive electrification goals in the next few years that are…very high.”

The new standards would create tighter restrictions on new vehicle emissions, effectively forcing automakers to increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs).

The EPA predicts that, under the new standards, two-thirds of all new light-duty vehicles sold in the US by 2032 will be electric, along with 46% of new medium-duty vehicles.

Despite increased percentages of EVs sold, which comprised just under 6% of new vehicle sales in 2022, there are concerns that the current availability of public EV chargers is insufficient.

The EPA estimates that its new standards would lower carbon dioxide emissions by 10 billion tons.

During an April 12 press conference, EPA Administrator Michael Regan touted the proposed standards as the “strongest ever,” while Bozzella claimed, in his own blog post, that the auto industry is “fully committed to an electric and low-carbon transportation future.”

Insufficient Charging Points

Less than a fortnight ago, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury issued guidance on EV tax credits that could deter consumers from adopting EVs.

Bozzella argued that the guidance would reduce the number of electric vehicles qualifying for tax credits and disincentivize their adoption, despite other measures designed to encourage buyers.

Bozzella also expressed concern that the current number of public, non-proprietary EV chargers in the US is insufficient, claiming that widespread adoption of EV technology would require significant industrial and behavioral changes.

Groups beyond the auto industry have also voiced concerns.

Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, warned that these standards align with “ESG extremists like Larry Fink” and his efforts to manipulate US pensions and retirement capital.

“The American people won’t stand for it,” he added.

Republican Pushback

Republican lawmakers responded critically to the EPA’s announcement, which came soon after new coal plant standards and Biden vetoes supporting the administration’s environmental agenda.

“The Environmental Protection Agency will make cars unaffordable by following California’s lead towards a complete ban on gas-powered vehicles,” said Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The state of California expects to outlaw gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035.

Sen. John Barrasso, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, called Biden’s policies “misguided” and accused them of “hurting American families while helping China.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, warned of potential issues arising from supply chain challenges and the need to source materials for EVs from countries such as China.

Finally, Rep. Bruce Westerman, Republican Chair of the House Committee on Na, claimed that EVs should be part of the solution, not the entire solution.