Several Democratic lawmakers from manufacturing-intensive Midwestern states are backing new regulations by the Biden administration restricting vehicle emissions, which experts say could dramatically reduce the number of gas-powered cars and result in fewer automobile industry jobs.
On March 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule — Multi Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles — which would effectively require roughly two-thirds of all light-duty vehicles sold after model year 2032 to be electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids. Critics have argued the rule is a de facto electric vehicle mandate and will result in fewer jobs in the long run, yet the rule has been supported by Democratic members of Congress from Rust Belt states.
“For producing an electric vehicle as opposed to a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, it requires significantly fewer workers to actually produce one electric vehicle. There are less parts involved in assembly,” Chris Ventura, an executive director of the Consumer Energy Alliance, told the DCNF.
Not only will @EPA’s vehicle standards substantially cut carbon pollution, but they are also set to provide $13 billion in annual health benefits — reducing air pollution that can cause premature death, heart attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and more. pic.twitter.com/o83NS2RRFs
— Michael Regan, U.S. EPA (@EPAMichaelRegan) March 20, 2024
