Detroit, Michigan – President Joe Biden has unveiled a groundbreaking regulation aimed at curbing vehicle emissions in the United States, in a move to accelerate the transition to electric cars within the auto industry.
This new regulation sets an ambitious goal for 56% of all new vehicles sold in the US to be electric by the year 2032, marking a significant increase from current levels. While the rule was softened from its initial draft last year to accommodate car manufacturers, the Biden administration asserts that it will still lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency, the regulation is projected to prevent 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next three decades. Environmental groups have largely praised the measure, although some activists have expressed disappointment that it did not go further.
The United States is taking a more measured approach compared to the European Union and the United Kingdom, which have plans to ban all sales of petrol-powered cars by 2035. President Biden is facing political challenges as he tries to appeal to car workers in crucial states like Michigan while addressing the urgent issue of climate change.
While the Alliance for Automotive Innovation welcomed the slower implementation of the regulation, they still view the goal as “extraordinarily ambitious.” The policy highlights the delicate balance President Biden must strike during his re-election campaign against Republican challenger Donald Trump.
Critics of the regulation, including the oil industry and Republican-led states, are expected to challenge it legally. The rule is designed to gradually tighten restrictions on vehicle emissions over time, with car-makers facing substantial fines for non-compliance.
The average cost of an electric vehicle is higher than petrol-powered cars, leading to concerns about affordability for American consumers. With the looming specter of potential economic impacts, both opponents and proponents of the regulation are gearing up for a contentious debate.