(The Center Square) – Several U.S. oil and corn industry lobbying groups are suing the Biden administration over its plans to drastically cut global-warming substances from car and truck exhaust.
The coalition argues that regulations would cause economic harm.
Dave Roos, director of biofuels for the Illinois Corn Growers Association, said higher-octane fuels could be the solution.
The EPA has finalized new rules for models of large trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles released between 2027 and 2032 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Roos said a separate requirement that up to 56% of cars sold between 2030 and 2032 be electric was unrealistic.
“For us as producers, this is very concerning, but it’s also concerning because, number one, it reduces ethanol production, number two, it reduces demand for ethanol, and number three, it really reduces consumer choice,” Roos said.
The final rule would result in the loss of more than 1 billion bushels of corn by 2033, Ruth said.
Illinois is the second largest corn producing state after Iowa.
Other state corn associations involved in the lawsuit include Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The EPA summary estimates the final rule will add $870 billion to vehicle technology costs.
The lawsuit argues that the cost of the rule is astronomical and requires Congressional approval.
Other groups involved in the lawsuit include the National Corn Growers Association, the American Federation of Agriculture Associations and the American Fuels and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association (AFPM).
“EPA’s light vehicle regulations are unlawful and harmful to consumers, our economy and our national security,” said AFPM CEO Chet Thompson.
“We are confident the Court will agree that Congress did not give the EPA the authority to effectively ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles and to so dramatically reshape the U.S. economy.”
The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) believes California’s ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and trucks was the catalyst behind the EPA’s new policy.
“Thankfully, Congress has never given either party the authority to take away vehicle choice from American consumers, which is why we are challenging the EPA’s rules in court,” WSPA CEO Cathy Lehis Boyd said in a statement.
