Legal Action Launched by States to Halt U.S. Regulations Limiting Vehicle Tailpipe Emissions‍

25 Republican Attorneys General Take Legal Action Against EPA Over Emission Rules, Pushing Back on Electric Vehicle Incentives

On Thursday, Republican attorneys general from 25 states filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeking to halt regulations aimed at curbing emissions from cars and light trucks to combat climate change and promote electric vehicle production. They contend that the agency overstepped its legal boundaries. The legal challenge, directed at regulations for passenger vehicles, which were approved by President Joe Biden's administration on March 20, was initiated by attorneys general representing states such as Kentucky and West Virginia. It was lodged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The EPA regulations target a significant reduction in fleetwide tailpipe emissions for cars and light trucks, aiming to achieve nearly a 50% decrease from 2026 levels by 2032. Additionally, they aim to curtail greenhouse gas emissions by 7.2 billion tons by 2055.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman expressed concerns that these rules could adversely impact the American economy, jeopardize employment opportunities, and lead to price hikes, all while posing risks to the stability of the U.S. electricity grid. Coleman also noted a lack of consumer enthusiasm for electric vehicles in his state.

Republican state officials argue that the regulations represent an administration effort to unduly reshape the American passenger vehicle market by imposing stringent requirements that effectively compel manufacturers to transition to electric vehicles.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman remarked, "The Biden administration is willing to sacrifice the American auto industry and its workers in service of its radical green agenda. We just aren't buying it."

The EPA declined to provide a comment on the matter.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey criticized the rules as "legally flawed and unrealistic, to say the least."

These regulations mark one of the most significant environmental initiatives enacted during President Biden's tenure, aligning with his commitment to address climate change. The EPA anticipates that between 35% and 56% of new vehicle sales from 2030 to 2032 will be electric under these regulations, reflecting the flexibility afforded to automakers to adopt various pollution-reducing technologies.

Republican state attorneys general raised objections during the public comment period before the rules were finalized, asserting that they exceeded the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act and amounted to a comprehensive restructuring of the automobile industry.

Following pushback from auto workers and the industry, the ultimate iteration of the regulations underwent revisions compared to an earlier proposal to afford automakers greater leeway in achieving emissions reduction targets. The EPA adjusted the regulations to grant automakers increased flexibility, particularly allowing them to meet emissions standards with gas-electric hybrids. However, this move has faced criticism from environmentalists who view hybrids as an insufficient solution that prolongs the transition to electric vehicles.

The EPA disclosed that the final rule aims to reduce emissions by 49% by 2032 compared to 2026 levels, a slight reduction from the 56% target outlined in its initial plan. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized that the rule does not compel manufacturers to prioritize electric vehicles, stating that there is "absolutely no mandate" in this regard.

In addition to Kentucky and West Virginia, the lawsuit saw involvement from a coalition of states including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Separately, on March 29, the EPA announced the finalization of stricter tailpipe emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles such as semi-trucks and buses. Notably, these regulations were not part of the lawsuit filed by the states.

This legal action underscores a broader trend of Republican attorneys general resorting to the courts to challenge various aspects of the Biden administration's climate agenda.

Republican-led states have initiated legal challenges against several initiatives of the federal government, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's regulations on corporate climate disclosure, the U.S. Energy Department's suspension of approvals for new liquefied natural gas export facilities, and EPA regulations aimed at strengthening air pollution standards, among other issues.

Source: Autonews‍