Republican lawmakers are working to overturn key climate policies of the Biden administration, specifically targeting tax credits for electric vehicles and the EPA’s new rules to reduce tailpipe emissions. Lawsuits have been filed by state attorneys general, accusing President Biden of prioritizing a green agenda over the American auto industry and its workers. Efforts to roll back these policies include new bills introduced by members of Congress, such as Michigan Rep. John James, who argues that the EPA’s emission standards unfairly benefit electric vehicles.
The EPA’s new rules require automakers to build less polluting vehicles by 2027, but they do not go as far as completely phasing out gas-powered vehicles. Some Democratic-controlled states, like California and Maryland, have pledged to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Senator John Barrasso and Senator Shelley Moore Capito have also introduced legislation to eliminate federal tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, claiming it will prevent China from exploiting loopholes in the tax system. Additionally, various state lawmakers, including those in Wyoming, have attempted to ban the sale of EVs by 2035 in response to pressure from the oil and gas industry.
Environmental groups, such as the Environmental Defense Fund, are pushing back against these efforts to overturn clean air policies, arguing that the EPA rules reduce pollution and create jobs. They warn that the US risks falling behind global competitors in the shift to electric vehicles if these policies are overturned. With potential legal challenges heading to the Supreme Court, which has shown skepticism towards the EPA’s mission to reduce pollution, the future of these climate policies remains uncertain. The Biden administration has also shown some flexibility in enforcing rules on electric vehicle models to allow for adjustments to comply with regulations.
During the lead up to the November election, Republican politicians, including former President Donald Trump, have used electric vehicles as a wedge issue in the ongoing cultural divide. Surveys indicate that Republican voters are less inclined to purchase electric vehicles, and efforts to stifle their adoption continue despite evidence that the widespread use of EVs could improve air quality for children. As the battle over climate policies intensifies, the fate of clean energy initiatives, such as tax credits for electric vehicles and emission standards, hangs in the balance.