The Biden administration is preparing regulatory changes to slow the nation’s transition to electric vehicles. The New York Times first reported The announcement was made on Saturday, citing three people familiar with the plan.
The paper reported that the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule changes will ease regulations on vehicle tailpipe emissions and allow automakers to delay the switch to EV production, currently scheduled for 2030.
This rule change is advantageous for automakers and unions, giving the industry more time to ramp up EV production and charging infrastructure before regulations invade the gas-powered vehicle market.
The EV market has expanded in recent years, but not as rapidly as some expected. In 2023, more consumers will turn to hybrid cars rather than fully electric cars. According to the Associated Press, EV sales last year accounted for just 7% of the market.
This number pales in comparison to the Biden administration’s future projections, which predict that EVs will account for two-thirds of sales by 2032. The Congressional Budget Office also last week increased the expected cost of the Inflation Control Act, citing much greater costs. Expected number of Americans to claim the EV tax credit.
The rule change could also address the United Auto Workers union’s political concerns about Biden’s re-election campaign. The union finally endorsed Biden last month after months of politically challenging the president and warning that he was moving too quickly to electric vehicles.
The EPA first proposed Strict tailpipe standards House Republicans passed a bill to repeal the rule in December, and auto dealers launched a massive protest last month.
The Times reported that the Biden administration plans to announce the changes this spring.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
