In the midst of a heated debate during an election year regarding the future of U.S. auto manufacturing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed new standards for vehicle emissions on Wednesday. These regulations are expected to push the industry towards producing a greater number of electric vehicles.
According to Michael Regan, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recently implemented pollution standards for cars in the United States establish the country’s position as a leader in developing a clean transportation future. These regulations, which are the strictest ever imposed, not only contribute to President Biden’s ambitious climate agenda but also pave the way for the creation of well-paying jobs for Americans. With transportation being the largest contributor to climate emissions in the U.S., this move demonstrates America’s commitment to addressing the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.
The new standards will apply to cars and trucks that are manufactured between the years 2027 and 2032. These standards will set limits on the average emissions allowed for each auto manufacturer’s fleet of vehicles.
In a statement, President Joe Biden expressed his ambitious goal that by 2030, half of all new cars and trucks sold should be zero-emission. This target was set three years ago and reflects a commitment to promote sustainable transportation options.
“I have united American automakers and American autoworkers, and together, we have achieved remarkable accomplishments. We have witnessed the establishment of numerous new factories nationwide, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in private investments and the creation of thousands of well-paying union jobs,” he declared. “Furthermore, we are determined to surpass my target for 2030 and continue to make significant strides in the future.”
Manufacturers will have multiple pathways to compliance, with options including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, strong hybrids, and improved internal combustion engines, according to senior administration officials.
According to officials, the implementation of these new standards is projected to result in a significant decrease in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that these measures will lead to a reduction of approximately 7.2 billion metric tons of emissions by the year 2055. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to about four times the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by the transportation sector in 2021.
“This is a significant victory for all Americans as these standards aim to address one of the biggest contributors to climate pollution in the country – our cars and trucks,” stated Luke Tonachel, senior strategist for the transportation sector at the Natural Resources Defense Council. He further emphasized, “The automotive industry is already transitioning towards cleaner vehicles, but these standards guarantee that we achieve the necessary reduction in pollution levels.”
According to officials, the implementation of these standards is projected to have a significant positive impact on public health. It is estimated that by 2055, they will help prevent up to 2,500 premature deaths. Additionally, these standards are expected to contribute to a reduction in health issues such as heart attacks, aggravated asthma, and decreased lung function.
The EPA’s announcement on Wednesday regarding the standards proposed in April 2023 is not the most ambitious version. However, it does provide a more gradual approach to compliance for auto manufacturers.
During Wednesday’s announcement event in Washington, John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, acknowledged his previous disagreements with Administrator Regan and Ali Zaidi. He admitted to being a thorn in their side over the past year. However, Bozzella clarified that his intentions were rooted in the auto makers’ commitment to electrification. He emphasized that the shared goal is for the successful long-term transformation to electric vehicles (EVs).
According to administration officials, they opted for a more gradual implementation of the standards in order to enhance their longevity and provide the automotive industry with sufficient time to meet the requirements.
“We have granted the automobile industry increased flexibility in order to meet our environmental objectives. By allowing them to choose from a variety of combinations, we not only provide the industry with more options, but also offer their customers a wider range of choices. This, in turn, strengthens the potential for surpassing the initial environmental goals that we set,” Regan explained during an interview with ABC News. “Therefore, this is not a step backward, but rather a more determined stride towards progress.”
During a press call on Tuesday, Matthew Davis, the vice president of federal policy at the League of Conservation Voters, emphasized that the Biden administration is taking into consideration the timing of releasing these standards, especially since it is an election year. The administration is also focused on ensuring that these standards are protected from potential rollbacks.
According to Davis, the Biden administration has been engaged in discussions about the significance of issuing regulations that can withstand legal challenges from the fossil fuel industry and potential opposition from Republicans in Congress if they were to regain control of the Senate and the White House.
Regan emphasized that the EPA is aligning with the president’s stance on this issue as well as other climate-related policies.
“The President remains committed to actively reducing climate pollution and fostering job creation in the country,” he emphasized. “We are maintaining the same level of urgency and speed in our efforts, aligning with President Biden’s vision. There is no intention to slow down or dwell on the past.”
The Trump administration had previously reversed the standards established during the Obama era, which were intended to impact vehicles produced until 2025.
Just days after former President Donald Trump criticized Biden’s handling of the transition to electric vehicles at a campaign event for Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, the announcement of new standards has been made.
“We will impose a 100% tariff on every car that crosses the border, and they won’t be able to sell those vehicles if I am elected,” stated Trump confidently.
Environmental groups emphasize the need for accurate characterization of the rules surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) and car manufacturing in the United States. They highlight that these rules do not advocate for a ban on traditional gas-powered cars.
According to Peter Zalzal, associate vice president of clean air strategies for the Environmental Defense Fund, it is crucial to emphasize that EPA standards are performance-based. He explains that these standards do not mandate manufacturers to sell a specific type of vehicle. Instead, the standards can be met through various options such as improvements in internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles. Zalzal emphasizes that it is about providing consumers with more choices in the market.
Davis agreed with the previous statement, emphasizing that there are multiple ways to achieve the standards. He also highlighted that any claims suggesting a complete ban on fossil fuel cars are false and should be disregarded as misinformation spread by the fossil fuel industry.
