WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ 19 News) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced new vehicle pollution standards that aim to have a lot more electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads by 2032.
The new rule, recently finalized by the Biden Administration, requires the majority of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States to be all-electric or hybrids by 2032. The final ruling sets historic emissions targets for cars, trucks and SUVs model year 2027 to 2032, and beyond.
“I’m pleased to announce the strongest vehicle pollution technology standard ever finalized in United States history,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan when announcing the final rule in March.
The standards are expected to eliminate over 7 billion tons of carbon emissions through 2055.
“Which is basically the equivalent of eliminating all tailpipe pollution from all vehicles for four years,” said Flora Cardoni, a field director for PennEnvironment. “Right now in the United States, the transportation sector is the number one source of greenhouse gas pollution in the country. This rule will go a really long way into cutting that pollution down,” Cardoni added.
Environmental advocates, like Cardoni, call it a win for a clean energy future and for public health.
“The climate crisis is the most urgent threat that we’re facing. The sooner that we reduce climate emissions, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to maintain a livable climate for future generations,” said Cardoni.
Organizations and stakeholders opposed to the standards say it will come at the cost of American jobs. Cardoni disagrees and says the industry is transitioning to a clean future.
“We’re actually going to see more investment in manufacturing these more efficient cars in the United States with more options across manufacturers, which is why the UAW has come out in support of this rule. The future of cars is clean,” said Cardoni.
Although clean air and environmental advocates are praising the new rule, others say the administration is overstepping and not listening to the will of the people.
“It absolutely is an overreach. Biden is going around Congress using the EPA to enact these, what’s basically going to amount to a mandate for people to drive electric vehicles, and make manufacturers go away from manufacturing gas powered vehicles,” said Tim Golding, Grassroots Director for Americans for Prosperity- Michigan.
Golding says EVs require less labor than gasoline or diesel vehicles, and that less manpower means fewer jobs and less money in the economy.
“The automotive industry puts $300 billion into our economy every year. And if those people aren’t working and that money’s not being spent into this economy, it’s going to have a big impact,” said Golding.
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D- MI) says the rule will provide an opportunity for Michigan automakers “to build the vehicles of the future.”
“I’ve always said Michigan automakers are the best in the world. And this is their moment,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). “I appreciate EPA’s commitment to engaging with our automakers and autoworkers to develop an ambitious but achievable final rule. It represents an opportunity for union workers to continue to build the vehicles of the future right here in the U.S. and tackle the climate crisis,” Stabenow added.
According to Kelly Blue Book, 7.6% of vehicles sold last year were EVs. That’s up from nearly 6% in 2022, but far from the more than 50% target under the new regulation.
Americans for Prosperity and several Republicans in Congress are pushing for Congressional Review Act (CRA) legislation aimed at blocking the final standards. Congressman John James (R-MI) is leading that effort in the House.
“Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it. The Biden administration’s EPA tailpipe emission rule is another out-of-touch regulation that will crater the Michigan auto industry and decimate our middle-class, and most vulnerable,” said Rep. James in a press release announcing his legislation. “Folks in my district simply can’t afford to spend an additional $12,000 on an expensive, unreliable EV. I’ve always said, if you want an EV, get an EV. But allowing the Biden administration to continue stifling consumer choice will only harm the American people.”
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) is leading the effort to prevent the Biden Administration’s rule in the Senate.
