The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed tailpipe emissions regulations for new cars, making it harder for Americans to buy gas-guzzling vehicles. The rule is part of an effort to transform the way we live our daily lives, from how we move around town to what appliances we use in our kitchen, ostensibly to address climate change.
The agency has said the rule could mean up to 67 percent of all new cars sold in the country will be electric vehicles by 2032. To give some context, despite receiving massive subsidies, electric vehicles accounted for only 5.8% of all new vehicle sales. in 2022. Less than 1% of all vehicles registered in 2021 were electric vehicles.
But through policies like the EPA’s tailpipe rule and massive spending to entice the production and purchase of electric vehicles, the federal government is trying to fundamentally change the vehicle fleet regardless of what consumers want . The ultimate goal is to get rid of gas-powered vehicles, following in the footsteps of California, which bans the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. In addition to this severe restriction on consumer choice, there There are other important problems with the proposed rule.
Electric vehicles are expensive and risky. They cost about $18,000 more than gas vehicles and are out of reach for many Americans. In addition, they have quality issues such as long charging times, limited range, and difficulty handling the cold.
There are also national security implications. This government-driven shift to electric vehicles would increase dependence on China for the minerals needed to produce these vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency, “China’s refining share is about 35% for nickel, 50%-70% for lithium and cobalt, and almost 90% for earth elements rare”.
Despite all this upheaval, the supposed reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are questionable. There are more greenhouse gas emissions from producing an electric vehicle than a gas vehicle, meaning it could take several years of driving an electric vehicle before these emissions are offset. And if the battery needs to be replaced, which is a distinct possibility, it would be unlikely to achieve greenhouse gas benefits.
There is a common theme throughout the administration: climate policies take precedence over everything else. If the proposed rule limits the freedom of individuals, so be it. If it means higher car prices, then that’s a cost the administration apparently believes Americans should pay to achieve this ideological agenda.
Meanwhile, the administration is trying to minimize the damage caused by high gas prices, which are still 50% higher than when President Biden took office. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted these expensive electric vehicles as a solution to high gas prices.
Despite all the administration’s efforts, the truth is that Congress never passed a law to use regulation to reduce the availability of gas vehicles. It is an end around the legislative process. This is also why lawmakers should end this rule, such as through the Congressional Review Act or the appropriations process.
Climate change should not be used as an excuse to assert such sweeping power over our lives. At the very least, our elected representatives in Congress should be making such important decisions, not federal bureaucrats.
Daren Bakst is Deputy Director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
