Press Releases

Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule, which amounts to an effective electric vehicle (EV) mandate.
 
“Today’s announcement from EPA is yet another attack on the rural way of life,” said Chairman Newhouse. “Unnecessarily strict tailpipe emissions standards are designed to force a transition to electric vehicles against Americans’ wishes and place an unnecessary burden on rural communities where electric vehicle infrastructure is lacking. This decision is a gift to China because the Biden Administration refuses to onshore the domestic critical mineral production necessary for electric vehicles. Americans should be able to choose the vehicle that works best for them and their needs, and not be subject to a government mandate for a more expensive, less affordable alternative.” 
 
The rule is projected to require 67 percent of new light-duty and nearly 50 percent of new medium-duty vehicle sales to be EVs by 2032. Additionally, the final rule mandates U.S. vehicle fleets to meet an average tailpipe emissions target of 82 grams of CO₂/mile, a number that no current gas, diesel or traditional hybrid vehicle can currently meet. Meanwhile, the rule clearly favors EVs as it ignores emissions caused through the EV supply chain and battery lifecycle.