But last year, all-electric vehicles accounted for just 5.8 percent of new cars sold in the United States. Mr Biden signed a law last year designed to encourage Americans to buy more electric vehicles by providing buyers with a tax credit of up to $7,500, but many foreign-made vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit .
Experts say the new regulation provides tax incentives as well as a necessary condition. If auto companies succeed in undermining the rule, the administration’s goals could be difficult to achieve. The Environmental Protection Agency published its proposed rule earlier this spring and is in the process of seeking public comments before finalizing and implementing the rule by the first half of next year.
Auto companies’ concerns are expected to influence the final rule, especially as Mr. Biden is campaigning for re-election in politically important auto-manufacturing states such as Michigan and Ohio.
background: The latest in a long battle over the future of the car.
The pushback against the rule is the latest in a years-long tussle between Washington and the auto industry over climate pollution.
Former President Barack Obama first increased fuel-economy standards in an effort to start a rapid transition to electric vehicles, and at the time won reluctant support from the nation’s three largest automakers as his administration threatened them with bankruptcy during a global economy. was taken out of crisis.
Later, President Donald J. Trump rolled back Obama-era regulations so much that even some automakers protested that he had gone too far. Since then, Mr. Biden has sought to reinstate and expand the Obama rules. In 2021 he signed an executive order pledging to pursue policies to ensure that by 2030 at least half of all new cars sold in the United States would be fully electric.
But his administration surprised the auto industry with a proposed rule this spring that went much further. His proposal aims to make 67 percent of new light-duty passenger vehicle sales, from sedans to pickup trucks, fully electric by 2032.
what will happen next: Will the EPA lower its targets?
Biden administration regulators are expected to evaluate public comments before revising and finalizing the proposals. Historically, many proposed environmental regulations have been loosened to accommodate industry concerns.
The auto-lobbying group said it does not oppose all regulations designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, but suggested in its comments that the Biden administration could lower its target by 2030 to 40 or 50 instead of 67 percent. Reduces up to 100 percent electric sales. 2032 as proposed by the current rule.
one in blog postThe group’s president, John Bozzella, suggested that the Biden administration include plug-in hybrid vehicles in its goals instead of pushing for the rapid adoption of all-electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids use the internal combustion engine in conjunction with battery power.
Representatives for the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency did not respond to an email seeking comment.
