Republican-Led States Sue EPA Over Vehicle Emissions Rules Promoting Electric Cars

A coalition of 25 Republican-led states has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to block new rules aimed at reducing tailpipe emissions from cars and light trucks and encouraging electric vehicle manufacturing. The regulations, finalized by the EPA on March 20, 2024, seek to cut fleetwide tailpipe emissions by nearly 50% over 2026 levels by 2032 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7.2 billion tons through 2055.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, argues that the EPA exceeded its legal authority under the Clean Air Act in setting the stricter emissions rules. The Republican state officials claim the rules would harm the American economy, threaten jobs, raise prices, and undermine the U.S. electricity grid. They allege that the rules amount to an attempt by the Biden administration to improperly transform the American passenger vehicle market through strict regulations that make it difficult for manufacturers not to go electric.

Why this matters: The lawsuit represents the latest legal challenge by Republican-led states targeting various aspects of the Biden administration's climate agenda. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of vehicle emissions regulations and the adoption of electric vehicles in the United States.

The EPA has defended the rules, stating that they give automakers more flexibility to meet emissions standards, including with gas-electric hybrids, and impose "absolutely no mandate" on manufacturers to adopt electric vehicles. The agency predicts that between 35% and 56% of new vehicles sold between 2030 and 2032 would be electric under these rules.

The lawsuit is supported by several other states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, and others. It is part of a broader effort by Republican attorneys general to challenge federal environmental regulations under the Biden administration through the courts. The states argue that the EPA's rule is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law.

Key Takeaways

• 25 Republican-led states sue EPA to block new vehicle emissions rules
• Lawsuit argues EPA exceeded authority under Clean Air Act
• Rules aim to cut emissions by 50% by 2032 and reduce 7.2B tons by 2055
• States claim rules will harm economy, jobs, and electricity grid
• Lawsuit part of broader effort by GOP to challenge Biden's climate agenda