The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed stricter vehicle emissions standards, which could significantly help reduce air pollution in Pennsylvania and across the country.
It could also accelerate the auto industry’s shift to electric vehicles. According to the EPA, the proposed standards it would improve air quality for communities across the country, especially communities that have suffered the most from polluted air.
Chris Harto, Senior Sustainability Policy Analyst with Consumer Reportssaid the EPA’s proposed performance standards are for new vehicles through 2032. He added that these are technology-neutral standards and require automakers to reduce emissions from their vehicles, with the means they can.
“It’s going to mean that automakers are going to build more electric vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, cleaner vehicles that will lower your fuel bill while also reducing emissions,” Harto said.
The EPA projects that 67% of new light-duty cars sold in the US could be electric by 2032 under new proposed clean car regulations. Harto noted that they have seen a rapid increase in consumer demand for electric vehicles. He adds that one of his recent surveys showed a 350% increase in consumer interest in electric vehicles.
The EPA predicts that the proposed standards will prevent nearly 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2055, reducing harmful air pollution and leading to fewer premature deaths and serious health effects. The agency’s proposed standards would also save the average consumer $12,000 over the life of a light-duty vehicle. Harto said that in many cases, EVs are cheaper to own than owning a gas vehicle.
“Right now, many electric vehicles cost a little more to buy, offer significant fuel and maintenance savings, which can more than make up for the increased monthly payment,” Harto said. “So you might pay a little more in your monthly payment for an EV, but you get that money back from your fuel savings and not having to do the oil changes and all that regular maintenance.”
Harto added that the EPA is taking public comments on the proposal and a final rule can be expected later this year or early 2024. The final rule would take effect in 2027.
