US House Votes to Repeal Biden Administration Tailpipe Emissions Rules, According to Reuters

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives voted narrowly on Friday to repeal clean vehicle regulations established in March, aimed at reducing tailpipe emissions by 50% from 2026 levels by the year 2032.

House Republicans argued that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final regulation for light-duty and medium vehicles is overly stringent, compelling automakers to increase electric vehicle (EV) production and effectively sidelining gasoline-powered vehicles from the market. The White House has indicated that President Joe Biden would veto this measure if it passes in the Senate.

The House’s vote resulted in a count of 215 in favor and 191 against, with eight Democrats joining 207 Republicans in support of the repeal.

Republican John James described the regulations as "catastrophic" for the auto industry, stating, "Nobody here is against battery electric vehicles, but we are against dictating to the American people how to spend their money."

If the repeal is successful, it would eliminate the EPA rules and prevent any future regulations from being imposed.

Representative Frank Pallone, the leading Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized the Republican stance, claiming they aim to "roll back common-sense air-pollution protections." He emphasized that this approach prioritizes corporate profits over the health and safety of the public.

Pallone noted that transportation is responsible for nearly one-third of total climate emissions, underscoring the importance of the EPA’s regulations.

The final EPA rules adopted in March were amended to lower the agency’s target for U.S. EV adoption from 67% to as low as 35% by 2032, following pushback from industry stakeholders and auto workers, while still gaining support from companies like Ford and various environmental groups.

According to the EPA, the updated rules are expected to reduce emissions by 49% by 2032 compared to 2026 levels, resulting in a decrease of 7.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases by 2055.

Former President Donald Trump has promised to repeal these rules if he returns to office. Additionally, the regulations are facing legal challenges from several Republican-led states and oil industry organizations.

Vice President Kamala Harris, in her Democratic presidential campaign, has stated that she does not support a mandated transition to electric vehicles but does highlight the Biden administration’s efforts to increase tax credits and incentives for EV and battery production.