A bipartisan group of lawmakers blocked the Biden administration's attempt to set new emissions standards on electric vehicles on Friday. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had announced a final rule in March under the Clean Air Act to require up to two-thirds of new cars sold to be electric vehicles by 2032.
The new standards would impact various vehicle manufacturers and converters, as outlined in the EPA's final rule. The House passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution introduced by Rep. John James, R-Mich., to prevent the regulation from taking effect. The resolution received bipartisan support, with eight Democrats voting in favor.
Opponents of the EPA's rule argued that it was crucial for reducing emissions, while Rep. James referred to the new standards as 'catastrophic' for the auto industry. He expressed concerns about the potential impact on manufacturing jobs in Michigan and across the country.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise criticized the Biden administration's push for electric vehicles, stating that it would limit consumer choice, impose unaffordable options on families and workers, and lead to job losses. The passing of the bill followed a letter from the American Energy Alliance and other energy groups urging Congress to support the CRA.
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., introduced a similar CRA version in the Senate, aligning with the bipartisan effort to block the new emissions standards. The legislation aims to prevent what critics view as an overreach by the EPA in mandating a transition to electric vehicles.
