Even Biden’s Auto Union Allies Hate the Admin’s Plan To Kill Gas-Powered Cars

United Auto Workers did not support the new environmental rule publicly, leading to their removal from the plan

The Biden administration’s plan to introduce its new car pollution rules in Detroit alongside its labor union allies was scrapped after the unions became wary of publicly supporting the regulations. The administration, therefore, had to announce the plan in Washington D.C instead.

The Environmental Protection Agency initially blamed “scheduling conflicts” for the change in venue, but a report by the New York Times suggests that the United Auto Workers (UAW), a labor union that supported Biden in the presidential elections and spends millions of dollars to support the Democrats, forced the move. Some leaders in the industry and the union became wary after learning the specific details of the proposed regulations, prompting the Biden administration to rearrange the proposal’s rollout.

Biden’s proposal would require vehicle emission limits, forcing auto manufacturers to sell electric cars effectively. It has already faced staunch opposition from the Republicans, with Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) claiming that the regulation would lead to higher prices and reduced choices. Conversely, the United Auto Workers’ seemingly disappointing response implies that the criticism against the proposal transcends party lines. The union had endorsed Biden as a strong leader during the 2020 elections, where it donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Democratic National Committee and other liberal groups.

On Wednesday, Michael Regan, the EPA administrator under Biden, acknowledged that the UAW leadership had expressed anxiety over the regulations. Regan proposed that the regulations could be amended to address the union’s concerns. In response, the union promised to review the EPA’s proposals and work with the administration to achieve the desired results that are good for both workers and the environment.

The union’s primary concern with the proposed regulation is the potential job loss in the auto industry, which leaders have warned will result from such a rule. As electric cars require few components than gas-powered cars, they require fewer workers to build them. The United Auto Workers leader, Mark DePaoli, said on Saturday that dealing with the loss of jobs through technology is not new, but the speed at which the regulations would have an impact is daunting.

Experts also expressed concerns that the regulations could cause supply chain issues as China holds most of the minerals required to manufacture electric vehicle batteries. However, Regan dismissed these concerns, stating on Wednesday that “We have to walk and chew gum at the same time”. He added that the new regulation would not take effect until model year 2027, so they have ample time to prepare for it.