Republican AGs Go After Biden Admin’s Fuel Economy Rule

(RepublicanView.org) – Twenty-six Republican Attorneys General are taking legal action against Biden administration’s “nonsensical” electric vehicle (EV) regulations. Russell Coleman of Kentucky and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia filed a lawsuit stating that the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2027 and Beyond and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks and Vans for Model Years 2030 and Beyond, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, imposes “unworkable standards” on vehicle producers that increase consumer costs and interfere with the free market.

Mr. Coleman accused the President of pursuing progressive soundbite policies during an election year and failing to assist families struggling to “put food on the table.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations intend to regulate how far a car can travel on a gallon of fuel. The new rules set consumption standards for cars and light trucks and require an industry-wide average of 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031. The agency said the changes will save motorists $23 billion in fuel costs by 2050.

Nevertheless, Republican AGs argue the NHTSA has acted beyond its powers, with Morrisey suggesting it’s trying to “reshape” an entire industry. Morrisey claimed these and similar regulations will strain energy availability, leaving America increasingly dependent on external energy sources and imports.

Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its new tailpipe standards, which were published in March.

American Petroleum Institute Senior Vice President Ryan Meyers said the action is necessary to protect US consumers from undue government intrusion.

The EPA tailpipe emissions standards suggest that between 35% and 62% of new cars should be electric by 2032, but critics say the agency does not have the power to impose such stringent regulations.

Data shows that EV purchasing in the US has slowed since late last year, accounting for around 8% of new car sales in May.