Biden rejects GOP attempt to reverse EPA’s truck pollution rule.

President Joe Biden has taken a stand against Republicans by vetoing their resolution that opposes the federal government’s latest efforts to tighten air pollution standards for heavy-duty trucks. This move comes as no surprise.

In a tweet, Biden accused Republicans of hindering his mission to improve the country’s air quality. He wrote, “Earlier, I vetoed a Republican resolution to repeal an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standard that will make our air cleaner and prevent thousands of premature deaths by limiting hazardous heavy-duty vehicle pollution. This would take us backwards in our fight against air pollution, so I’m blocking it.”

Feds Boast Penitential Benefits

The EPA rule, finalized in December, mandates that new heavy-duty trucks and engines starting in 2027 must adhere to stricter-than-ever standards to reduce air pollutant emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can react with oxygen to create ground-level ozone or smog. The rule applies to trucks of various sizes, from Ford F-250 pickups to semi-trucks.

The Biden administration sees this rule as a crucial step in implementing its Clean Truck Plan, which aims to transition America’s heavily polluting heavy-duty trucking fleet to low-carbon and electric technologies.

The EPA estimates that by 2045, the rule will yield significant public health benefits, including preventing up to 2,900 deaths, 6,700 hospital and emergency room visits, and 18,000 cases of childhood asthma annually. Additionally, the change is projected to bring about $29 billion in net economic benefits each year.

Republicans Push Back Against Changes

Republican lawmakers, however, remain unconvinced. They argue that the stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks will lead to an immediate increase in transportation costs, making life harder for Americans since almost every product they purchase is transported by truck at some point.

“The EPA’s own estimates suggest that their emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks could cost more than $8,000 per semi-truck,” stated Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in opposition. “This will drive up prices for everything transported by truck, including food, clothing, and building materials.”

They further warned that this regulation would be unaffordable for the American people and would force small operators to shut down, causing disruptions in supply chains.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is among the rule’s staunchest critics. In a speech on the House floor, she condemned Biden for pushing the electrification of the entire transportation sector without considering the financial impact it could have on people’s everyday lives.

“The costs will be passed on directly to Americans, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck,” the congresswoman said. “Imagine someone who is already being forced to make tough choices for their family at the grocery store, the gas pump, the pharmacy.”

With the EPA rule facing opposition from Republicans, the battle over air pollution standards for heavy-duty trucks continues.