U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-GA, is taking the lead in efforts to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule and block President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. Clyde was joined by nearly three dozen GOP lawmakers in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn “the stringent, multipollutant emission standards governing gas cars finalized last month by the EPA.
On March 20th, President Biden’s EPA finalized its rule titled “Multi-Pollutant Emission Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” establishing extreme vehicle emission standards to advance the deployment of electric vehicles. The rule sets stringent emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gasses for gas-powered vehicles. These aggressive standards would force automakers to ensure 56 percent of light-duty car sales are battery electric and another 13 percent are hybrid by 2032, Clyde explained.
“Despite persistent pleas to keep his hands off our car keys, President Biden is doubling down on his radical EPA rule to institute a de facto EV mandate on our country,” said Clyde. “Hardworking Americans already battling inflation simply cannot afford the President’s illegitimate power grab — nor should they be forced to bear this burden. American consumers always deserve the freedom to decide what car they purchase and drive. Congress must prevent the Biden Administration’s dangerous overreach from encumbering auto manufacturers, enriching Communist China, and crushing the American people.”
Colleagues Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-GA, and Rep. Rich McCormick, GA-06, are cosigners on the original bill.
Supporting organizations include the American Energy Alliance, Americans for Prosperity, Eagle Forum, and Heritage Action for America.
“President Biden’s EPA has weaponized the federal rulemaking process to effectively mandate electric vehicles through expensive regulations that punish hardworking Americans and reward China. By squeezing gas-powered cars out of the market, this administration is putting a radical green agenda ahead of American workers and the families struggling to afford basics in the Biden economy. That’s why more than 15,000 Heritage Action supporters submitted comments in opposition to this rule — we support and commend Rep. Clyde’s effort to defend our rights and our cars.” said Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action
In 2023, 9.5 percent of new, light-duty vehicle sales were EVs, up from 7 percent in 2022 and 4.3 percent in 2021, according to data from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry group that represents major automakers. At the same time, EVs remain more expensive than traditional, gas-powered cars, they said.
Clyde’s actions could cause an awkward situation between the Georgia Congressman and Gov. Brian Kemp – who has staked much of his legacy on electric vehicles.
