East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, and U.S. Representative Tim Walberg have led a group of 120 colleagues in calling for the withdrawal of the Biden Administration's proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. In a letter to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they argue that the proposed standards do not comply with federal law and would effectively mandate the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) and a phase-out of gas-powered cars and trucks.

The lawmakers express their concern with the NHTSA's proposed CAFE standards, stating that they represent another attempt by the Biden Administration to impose its climate agenda on American families. They argue that the proposed standards, when combined with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tailpipe emissions proposal, would amount to a de facto mandate for EVs, raising costs and restricting consumer choice. They also argue that it would harm U.S. businesses, degrade energy and national security, and give an advantage to foreign adversaries, particularly China.

The lawmakers conclude their letter by urging the NHTSA to drop its attempt at central planning and instead propose something that complies with the law and better serves the American people.

Chet Thompson, President and CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), criticizes the Biden administration's agenda, calling it bad for American families, the economy, and national security. He points out that both the EPA and NHTSA do not have Congressional authorization to regulate internal combustion engine vehicles out of the market. Thompson supports efforts to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation and improve vehicle performance and efficiency for consumers, but believes that successful policies should encourage competition among all technologies and powertrains, including American-made fuels.

Amanda Eversole, Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Petroleum Institute (API), shares similar concerns. She argues that the proposed NHTSA and EPA regulations would result in a de facto ban on the sale of vehicles using gasoline and other liquid fuels. Eversole believes that these rules will hurt consumers through higher costs, reduced options, and increased reliance on unstable foreign supply chains.

This is not the first time Senator Crapo has voiced his concerns about the proposed CAFE standards. In January, he led a similar letter with Representative John James to Senate and House Republican leadership, raising concerns about the standards. In October of last year, Crapo introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden Administration's environmental agenda and executive overreach. The CARS Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in December, with Representative Walberg as the lead sponsor of the House legislation.

The call to withdraw the EV mandate is part of a larger debate about the future of transportation in the United States. While some argue that transitioning to electric vehicles is necessary to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, others believe that consumers should have the freedom to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs and preferences. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the automotive industry, energy security, and the environment.