The Biden administration recently announced ambitious new automobile emissions standards that aim to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles. The new rules relax initial tailpipe limits proposed last year but eventually get close to the strict standards set out by the Environmental Protection Agency. Electric vehicle sales, necessary to meet the standards, have started to slow, prompting the auto industry to object to the EPA’s preferred standards. Under the final rule, the industry could meet the limits if 56% of new vehicle sales are electric by 2032, along with at least 13% plug-in hybrids and more efficient gasoline-powered cars.
### Introduction
The Biden administration has unveiled new automobile emissions standards that are considered the most ambitious plan ever to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles. These new rules aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution from new cars and trucks, ultimately benefiting public health, the economy, and the environment.
### What is EPA Proposing?
The new EPA rule applies to model years 2027 to 2032 and targets reducing emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases and other air pollutants from new passenger cars, light trucks, and pickups. The rule will help address the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, and accelerate the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies. Notable, the rule allows car manufacturers the flexibility to choose pollution-control technologies that align with their customers while meeting environmental and public health goals.
### Why did EPA change the proposed rule?
The changes in the proposed rule are in response to industry opposition to the accelerated ramp-up of electric vehicles and public hesitance to fully embrace new technology. Additionally, there is a potential for legal challenges from conservative courts, including the Supreme Court, which has recently limited the EPA’s authority in fighting air and water pollution. President Biden’s climate change agenda relies on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles, making cooperation from the auto industry and support from auto workers essential.
### Impact of the New Standards
The new emissions standards are designed to avoid over 7 billion tons of planet-warming carbon emissions over the next 30 years and provide significant benefits, including lower healthcare costs, reduced deaths, and annual savings in fuel, maintenance, and repairs. These standards are crucial for public health, the economy, American jobs, and the planet overall, according to EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
### Conclusion
The Biden administration’s new automobile emissions standards represent a critical step towards addressing the climate crisis, reducing air pollution, and advancing cleaner vehicle technologies. By setting ambitious targets and allowing flexibility for car manufacturers to meet these goals, the administration aims to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.