President Biden recently made a statement about Americans being able to buy any kind of car they want, but experts say his administration’s new emissions standards could limit consumer choice. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation, which some industry insiders argue is essentially a ban on new gas cars by 2032, aims to push American drivers toward electric vehicles. This move has raised concerns about limited availability and affordability of gas-powered vehicles in the future.
Opponents of the new emissions standards, including groups like the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute, believe that the regulations could effectively eliminate most new gas-powered vehicles in the future. Some lawmakers, such as Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas and Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, have attempted to push back against these restrictions through legislative measures. They argue that the administration’s focus on promoting electric vehicles could have negative effects on American jobs and the auto-manufacturing industry.
Sen. Sullivan, who co-sponsored an effort to challenge the new regulations, criticized the administration for restricting access to vital rare earth minerals in Alaska, which are crucial for EV batteries. He pointed out the importance of these minerals not only for promoting the electric vehicle market but also for national defense projects. Industry trade organizations have claimed that the emissions standards, while not an outright prohibition on internal combustion engines, are perceived as being restrictive in practice.
In response to criticisms and concerns about consumer choice, General Motors stated that it is continuing to expand its electric vehicle fleet while offering a variety of gas-powered options to customers. The company emphasized the challenges in navigating the shift toward electric vehicles and the need for infrastructure and supply chain support. The EPA, however, defended the new regulations, asserting that they actually expand consumer choice and save drivers money on fuel and maintenance costs.
The EPA argued that the new standards would save Americans an average of about $6,000 over the lifetime of a new model year 2032 vehicle, compared to those meeting the 2026 standards. They refuted claims that the regulations mandate a transition solely to electric power. A White House spokesperson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to investing in a future fueled by American workers and clean energy. Despite support from some congressional Democrats, there has been backlash against the perceived impact of the new emissions standards on consumer choice and industry dynamics.
