The Biden administration is poised to implement sweeping new regulations this week targeting gas-powered vehicle emissions, a move that conservatives argue amounts to a de facto mandate for electric vehicles (EVs).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release the final rulemaking as early as Wednesday, which opponents claim will force automakers to rapidly expand their electric offerings at the expense of consumer choice and affordability.
Jason Isaac, president and CEO of the American Energy Institute, criticized the regulations, stating, “It certainly won’t do anything to improve human health. It won’t do anything to reduce pollution. We’ve proven in this country that we’re already a world leader in clean air. All it’s going to continue to do is push the costs of electric vehicles on to purchasers of internal combustion engine vehicles.”
130 Republican lawmakers tell Biden to drop the EV mandate | Just The News https://t.co/cZGYRJdKga
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) February 23, 2024
Isaac further claimed that the move is politically motivated, aimed at appeasing the administration’s leftist donor base and climate alarmists who are driving the push towards a forced energy transition.
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Under the proposal, unveiled by the EPA in April 2023 and set to take effect in 2027, the White House projects that 67% of new sedan, crossover, SUV, and light truck purchases will be electric by 2032. The aggressive targets extend to other vehicle categories as well, with up to 50% of bus and garbage truck, 35% of short-haul freight tractor, and 25% of long-haul freight tractor purchases potentially being electric by the same year.
Chet Thompson, president and CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, warned that the EPA’s regulations will feel like a ban for consumers, severely restricting their access to and ability to afford new gas-powered vehicles. Thompson also cautioned that the EPA has not included any “offramp” in the event that the nation’s charging and power infrastructure is not ready for such a rapid electrification of cars.
Americans have had ENOUGH of Biden's destructive Green New Deal policies.
“130+ House, Senate Republicans join forces in opposition of Biden's upcoming EV mandate” https://t.co/TFmuuXa8yu
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) February 25, 2024
Despite the administration’s claims that the regulations will reduce oil imports and accelerate the clean vehicle transition, critics argue that the move will sacrifice America’s hard-won energy strength and increase dependence on China, which controls the EV battery and mineral supply chain. EVs remain significantly more expensive than traditional gas-powered cars, with an average cost of $52,500 compared to $24,000 for a subcompact car, even with generous federal and state subsidies.
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As the Biden administration pushes forward with its aggressive EV agenda, conservative lawmakers are gearing up to challenge the federal government’s authority on the issue. The House has already passed a resolution to block the EPA’s proposal, and further pushback is expected as the regulations are finalized.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, criticized the administration’s approach, stating, “President Biden has made his intentions clear. He would rather force American families — who are already facing financial hardship under the weight of inflation spurred by trillions in wasteful government spending — to buy electric vehicles to advance his Green New Deal agenda than allow folks to choose the best car or truck for their families, businesses, and farms at an affordable price.”
