East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch (both R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) have introduced legislation to block the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandates. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized new emissions regulations that would require a significant portion of new vehicles to be electric in the coming years.

Crapo criticized the regulations, stating, “These rules represent yet another attempt by the Biden Administration to force its radical green agenda and pick winners and losers in the free market. Idahoans deserve access to affordable, reliable vehicles of their choice.”

Risch expressed concerns about the impact of the EV mandates, saying, “An EV mandate will significantly disrupt our nation’s supply chain, raise already high prices, and severely impede the ability of consumers and businesses alike to make their own decisions. Idahoans cannot afford these excessive and unrealistic EV mandates any longer.”

Fulcher raised issues with the practicality of the EV push, highlighting that rural communities may struggle to support the electrification of heavy-duty trucks due to infrastructure challenges and high costs. He emphasized the need to stop the EPA from enforcing rules that could negatively impact American consumers and the supply chain.

Ricketts labeled President Biden’s EV mandate as “delusional,” arguing that it could hinder accessibility to vehicles for low-income and rural families. He pledged to fight against the mandate to protect consumer choice and prevent increased reliance on foreign entities.

Sullivan pointed out the challenges of implementing EV technology in rural states like Alaska, citing issues with extreme weather conditions and vast distances between communities. He urged colleagues to support the legislation to prevent further economic harm and dependence on foreign minerals.

The legislators' joint effort aims to overturn what they perceive as unrealistic and damaging regulations imposed by the Biden administration, with a focus on protecting consumer choice and economic stability.