New Resolution Approved: Unexpected Change to EPA Vehicle Regulations

Exhaust system under a car with heat shielding.

The House of Representatives has voted to overturn Biden’s EPA tailpipe emissions standards, setting the stage for a showdown with the White House.

At a Glance

House passed H.J. Res. 136 with a 215-191 vote to repeal EPA’s tailpipe emissions standards
GOP argues the rule would force Americans to buy unaffordable electric vehicles
EPA aims for 56% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032
President Biden has vowed to veto the measure if approved by the Senate

House Votes to Repeal EPA Emissions Standards

In a move that has ignited fierce debate, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has approved a resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s rule on automobile emissions. The House passed H.J. Res. 136 with a vote of 215-191, with eight Democrats crossing party lines to support the measure and one Republican voting against it. This action represents a direct challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions standards, which were implemented as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s climate agenda.

The EPA rule, which applies to model years 2027 to 2032, aims to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles significantly. Under these standards, 56% of new vehicle sales would need to be electric by 2032, with at least 13% being plug-in hybrids or partially electric. This represents a substantial increase from current electric vehicle (EV) sales, which stand at 7.6% of the market, up from 5.8% in 2022.

Republican Opposition and Concerns

Republicans argue that the EPA’s standards would effectively force Americans to purchase expensive and potentially unreliable electric vehicles. Representative John James of Michigan, a key figure in the auto industry, voiced concerns about the impact on middle-class citizens and the Michigan auto sector.

“Folks in my district simply can’t afford to spend an additional $12,000 on an expensive, unreliable EV,” James said, adding that “Allowing the Biden-Harris administration to continue stifling consumer choice will only harm the American people.”

Critics of the EPA rule also cite reliability issues with EVs, particularly for rural drivers and those in cold climates. The National Corn Growers Association has thrown its support behind the House vote, emphasizing the role of ethanol in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expressing concern about potential reduced demand for biofuels under the new standards.

Democratic Defense and Environmental Concerns

Democrats argue that the EPA standards are a common-sense measure to reduce pollutants and do not mandate the purchase of electric vehicles. Representative Frank Pallone criticized the House measure as an attack on the Clean Air Act, accusing Republicans of prioritizing corporate interests over public health.

“We’re not mandating EVs, we’re not forcing anybody to use EVs. I’m going to say that over and over again,” Pallone said. “What we are doing is trying to reduce air pollution and this resolution is a step backwards in addressing dangerous air pollution.”

The White House has defended the EPA rule, stating that it would avoid over seven billion metric tons of carbon emissions while providing significant health benefits to millions of Americans. The administration also argues that repealing the standards would create uncertainty in the auto market, constrain consumer choice, and weaken U.S. manufacturing and energy security.

Looking Ahead

Despite the House vote, the resolution faces an uphill battle. President Biden has pledged to veto the measure if it reaches his desk, and the Senate has already rejected similar legislation aimed at preventing the EPA from enforcing the rule. However, the debate surrounding these emissions standards is far from over, with former President Donald Trump vowing to eliminate them if re-elected.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the outcome of this political tug-of-war will have far-reaching implications for American consumers, the environment, and the future of transportation in the United States.