Posted on December 13, 2023
The bill’s objective is to curtail the EPA’s control over regulating electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States. Although unlikely to be approved, anticipate further disputes on this front.
This year has underscored the challenges in transitioning to an electric future, and now there’s a significant hurdle—a legislative backlash against EVs, specifically targeting emissions regulations aiming to phase out traditional cars in the U.S. This resistance could intensify, particularly as the 2024 election season approaches.
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives, with support from Republicans and five Democrats, passed the Choice In Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act with a 221-197 vote. The act seeks to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing rules that would gradually move the U.S. toward an all-EV market. The EPA argues that such rules would enhance air quality, reduce the carbon footprint, and decrease oil imports.
This opposition directly challenges President Joe Biden’s environmental goals, particularly his ambition for 50% of new car sales to be electric by 2030. Representative Tim Walberg, the Michigan Republican sponsoring the bill, criticizes the EPA’s “radical agenda,” claiming it would surrender America’s auto industry to China. Despite Biden’s intent to veto, the bill’s prospects in the more moderate U.S. Senate are dim.
Before delving into the political complexities, it’s essential to understand the EPA’s emissions standards, their impact, and what consumers might anticipate from this proposed bill.
In April, the EPA proposed that 67% of new light-duty vehicle sales and 25% of heavy-duty truck sales should be electric by 2032. These targets aim to mitigate the transportation sector’s carbon footprint, sparking disagreement among politicians. Some argue the targets are overly ambitious, while others stress the urgency of addressing global warming.
As the debates escalate, the discourse around EVs is transforming into a cultural battleground, with Democrats advocating for EVs as a climate change solution and Republicans resisting regulations, using the opportunity to challenge Biden’s policies. Some Democrats are also skeptical, framing it as a matter of consumer “choice.”
The primary supporters of the bill, besides Republicans, include numerous petroleum companies and associations, echoing pejorative sentiments toward EVs and the EPA. The arguments against EVs often overlook valid concerns, such as ethical issues in mining and labor practices, the absence of truly “clean” electricity, and the need for an expanded charging infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the arguments against the EPA’s proposed standards misalign with the scientific consensus on climate change, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector alone accounted for 29% of all U.S. emissions in 2021. The proposed standards, fiercely contested by right-wing politicians, could potentially cut nearly 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2055.
Claims that Americans are being forced to buy EVs lack foundation, as automakers have until 2035 to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Additionally, EV sales in the U.S. have reached a historic milestone, surpassing one million annually, driven by incentives like the $7,500 federal clean vehicle credit.
While the CARS Act is unlikely to gain traction, the upcoming presidential elections could amplify debates around EVs. If anti-EV sentiments prevail, policies supporting EV manufacturing and sales may be impacted, potentially slowing the transition to electric vehicles and raising uncertainties about America’s technological competitiveness and climate resilience.