The Biden administration announced new automobile emissions standards Wednesday that officials called the most ambitious plan ever to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles.
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced less-stringent automobile emissions standards after appeals from the auto industry as sales of electric vehicles hit a speed bump.
Officials still hailed the new rules as the most ambitious plan ever to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles — though they relax initial tailpipe limits proposed last year by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The decision was made in part to allow time for Americans to warm to EVs, as more chargers get installed and automakers work to develop supply chains and more-affordable electric models, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The auto industry cited lower sales growth in objecting to the EPA’s preferred standards unveiled last April as part of its plan to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles.
The EPA will allow for a longer rollout under its final rule, saying the industry could meet the limits if 56% of new vehicle sales are electric by 2032, along with at least 13% plug-in hybrids or other partially electric cars, as well as more efficient gasoline-powered cars that get more miles to the gallon.What is the EPA proposing?
The EPA rule applies to model years 2027 to 2032 and will significantly reduce emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases, as well as other air pollution such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from new passenger cars, light trucks and pickups.
The rule will help “tackle the climate crisis” and result in widespread reductions in air pollution while accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies, the EPA said. The agency is finalizing the rule as sales of clean vehicles, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, hit record highs last year.
