As the demand for EVs experiences a downturn, the United States has chosen to temporarily relax its position on enforcing stricter automobile emissions standards.
This decision reflects a strategic response to the current market dynamics, where EV sales are slowing down.
An electric vehicle is charged in Rosemead, California, on April 12, 2023. (Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Updated Auto Emissions Standards
The Biden administration is set to unveil updated automobile emissions standards this week, introducing a temporary relaxation of proposed tailpipe limits for three years. However, these standards will eventually align with the stringent criteria the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined.
This adjustment in regulations emerges amidst a slowdown in electric vehicle sales, crucial for meeting mandated standards. The automotive sector has expressed concerns over the EPA's initial standards released in April, deeming them overly ambitious.
While the EPA's proposed solution hinted at the industry meeting the limits by achieving 67% of new vehicle sales as electric by 2032, the auto sector contested this during the public commentary on the standards for 2027-2032.
The industry cited concerns about feasibility and pointed to diminishing electric vehicle sales, fueled by consumer worries about cost, range, and charging infrastructure availability.
Associated Press revealed that the EPA is poised to adopt an alternative approach to the proposed standards. This strategy entails a gradual implementation slowdown from 2027 to 2029, followed by a subsequent acceleration to align with the EPA's preferred levels between 2030 and 2032.
Industry Response and Regulatory Adaptations
The adjustments seem to target the significant pushback from industry players against the swift adoption of electric vehicles, as well as the general hesitance among the public to fully embrace this emerging technology.
Additionally, there's a legitimate concern about potential legal challenges, especially considering the current composition of the Supreme Court, which holds a conservative majority of 6-3. Over recent years, the court has increasingly curtailed the authority of federal agencies, including the EPA.
This trend is evident in various rulings that have limited the EPA's ability to address air and water pollution. Notably, a landmark decision in 2022 restricted the EPA's jurisdiction over carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, a significant contributor to global warming.
Biden's presidency has been marked by a strong emphasis on combatting climate change. He has focused particularly on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, which currently represent the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
However, the administration faces the challenge of balancing its environmental objectives with the need for cooperation from the automotive industry and political support from key constituencies, such as auto workers, who play a significant role in elections.
While the United Auto Workers union, a vocal supporter of Biden, expresses its support for the transition to electric vehicles, it also emphasizes the importance of preserving jobs and ensuring that the industry provides competitive wages to workers involved in building EVs and batteries.
According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, administration officials are not apprehensive about the impending EPA rule, which is expected to be unveiled imminently.
Despite acknowledging that such initiatives require time to materialize, Jean-Pierre reaffirmed the administration's unwavering commitment to its climate objectives while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during President Biden's journey to Nevada.
