House Passes H.J. Res. 136 to Overturn Biden-Harris EPA Tailpipe Emissions Standards

Large assembly in a government legislative chamber.

House Republicans vote to overturn Biden’s EPA tailpipe emissions standards, setting the stage for a potential veto showdown.

At a Glance

  • House passes H.J. Res. 136 to nullify EPA’s new tailpipe emissions standards
  • The EPA rule aims for 56% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032
  • Republicans argue the rule would force Americans to buy costly electric vehicles
  • The resolution faces a likely veto from President Biden if it passes the Senate

House Votes to Repeal EPA Emissions Rule

In a move that highlights the ongoing debate between environmental regulations and consumer choice, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has voted to overturn the Biden administration’s EPA tailpipe emissions standards. The resolution, H.J. Res. 136, passed with a vote of 215-191, with eight Democrats joining the majority and one Republican voting against it.

The EPA rule in question, which applies to model years 2027 to 2032, aims to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles significantly. It sets a target for 56% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032, with at least 13% required to be plug-in hybrids or partially electric. This ambitious goal represents a substantial increase from current EV sales, which stand at 7.6%, up from 5.8% in 2022.

Republican Opposition and Concerns

Republicans argue that the EPA rule would effectively force Americans to purchase expensive and potentially unreliable electric vehicles. Representative John James of Michigan, a state deeply connected to the automotive industry, voiced concerns about the impact on middle-class citizens and the auto industry.

“Folks in my district simply can’t afford to spend an additional $12,000 on an expensive, unreliable EV,” James said, adding that “Allowing the Biden-Harris administration to continue stifling consumer choice will only harm the American people.”

Critics of the EPA rule also cite reliability issues with EVs, particularly for rural drivers and those in cold climates. They argue that the regulation could harm the automotive industry and limit consumer choice in vehicle purchases.

Democratic Defense and Environmental Concerns

Democrats, on the other hand, defend the EPA rule as a necessary step to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. They argue that the standards are flexible and do not mandate the purchase of electric vehicles. Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey criticized the House measure as an attack on the Clean Air Act.

“We’re not mandating EVs, we’re not forcing anybody to use EVs. I’m going to say that over and over again,” Pallone said. “What we are doing is trying to reduce air pollution and this resolution is a step backwards in addressing dangerous air pollution.”

Supporters of the EPA rule point out that the transportation sector is the largest contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with light-duty vehicles accounting for 58% of those emissions. They argue that these standards are crucial for meeting climate goals and improving public health.

Potential Veto and Future Implications

While the resolution has passed the House, its future remains uncertain. President Biden has pledged to veto the measure if it reaches his desk, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the executive and legislative branches. The White House argues that overturning the EPA rule would create uncertainty in the auto market, constrain consumer choice, and harm public health.

The debate over these emissions standards reflects broader tensions between environmental regulations and economic concerns. As the resolution moves to the Senate, it will likely continue to spark intense discussion about the future of the automotive industry, consumer choice, and America’s approach to combating climate change.

Sources:

  1. House narrowly votes to repeal Biden admin EPA tailpipe emissions rules
  2. U.S. House votes to repeal Biden auto emissions rule
  3. US House Votes to Repeal Biden Administration Tailpipe Emissions Rules
  4. House votes to block EPA tailpipe emissions rule, despite veto threat
  5. House Votes to Repeal Biden Admin Tailpipe Emissions Rule
  6. US House votes to repeal Biden administration tailpipe emissions rules

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