The White House Opposes Republican Bill Limiting California’s Vehicle Standards
Introduction
The White House strongly opposes a Republican bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prevent California from receiving federal waivers to set standards limiting the sale of new gas-powered motor vehicles. Although the bill is unlikely to pass in the Senate, it could gain some Democratic support in the House. The future of cars has become a significant political issue for the 2024 election.
California’s Plan to Transition to Electric Vehicles
California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed a plan to require all new vehicles sold in the state to be electric or plug-in electric hybrids by 2035. This groundbreaking move aims to accelerate the transition away from gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the House bill would strip the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its authority to grant California the waiver needed for this plan.
Opposing Views
Republican Representative John Joyce argues that California’s proposal infringes upon Americans’ freedoms and limits consumer choice. The Biden administration, on the other hand, has not issued a veto threat but has declined to endorse setting a specific date to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine cars and trucks. Former President Donald Trump has accused the Biden administration of pushing for the end of internal combustion vehicles.
The Impact of California’s Zero-Emission Rules
California’s zero-emission rules are projected to reduce smog-causing pollution from light-duty vehicles by 25 percent by 2037. These rules require that a certain percentage of new cars sold in the state be plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), electric vehicles (EVs), or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. By 2035, the goal is to have 100% of new cars sold fall under these categories. Seventeen other states have agreed to adopt California’s EV rules.
EPA Proposal and Future Outlook
The EPA has proposed that automakers produce 60% electric vehicles by 2030 and 67% by 2032 to meet emission requirements. In comparison, only 5.8% of vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 were EVs. CARB’s regulations include a provision allowing automakers to sell up to 20% plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a minimum 50-mile all-electric range by 2035.
