Washington, D.C., March 25 – The Biden administration rolled out groundbreaking regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards transitioning to electric vehicles in the United States.
The new Environmental Protection Agency rule, the most comprehensive climate regulation introduced by President Biden, aims to push automakers to increase sales of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions from gasoline-powered models. These emissions make up about one-fifth of the country’s contribution to global warming.
Unlike the initial proposed rule from last year, automakers will not be required to significantly boost electric vehicle sales until after 2030. This delay in the timeline was influenced by concerns raised by labor unions, a crucial Democratic constituency. The new rules also allow automakers to comply by increasing sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles alongside all-electric models, considering the current popularity of plug-in hybrids among U.S. consumers due to concerns about charging infrastructure availability.
The EPA estimates that the final rule will prevent 7.2 billion metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere by 2055, also reducing fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides and preventing thousands of premature deaths annually by 2055. EPA Administrator Michael Regan highlighted the impact of the standards on public health during a briefing with reporters.
Although the regulations are expected to face challenges from Republican-led states and fossil fuel companies, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, including major players like Ford and General Motors, has praised the EPA’s decision to ease the strict EV requirements until after 2030. The adjustments are seen as a positive step to align market demands and supply chains.
EV sales in the U.S. have experienced a recent slowdown, but industry experts like Albert Gore of the Zero Emission Transportation Association remain optimistic about the growth potential of electric vehicles. The declining prices of EVs have made them a more affordable option for consumers, with the average price gap with gas-powered cars narrowing significantly.
The auto industry’s shift towards electric vehicles has sparked debates and tensions, particularly around the impact on jobs and the environment. The EPA rule announcement follows a contentious period involving negotiations between the United Auto Workers and the Biden administration regarding the benefits and challenges of transitioning to EVs.
California regulators are taking a more aggressive stance than the federal government, aiming to end statewide sales of new gas cars by 2035. This move aligns with California’s history of adopting stricter environmental regulations that often become the standard for other states. In light of these developments, the auto industry and policymakers are navigating a complex landscape of regulations, market demands, and environmental considerations.