The Biden administration introduces strict emissions standards for cars, encouraging a shift to electric vehicles.
Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The new Environmental Protection Agency rule aims to significantly cut carbon emissions from vehicles by 2055, avoiding up to 2,500 premature deaths annually.
- Despite a slight slowdown in EV sales, 2023 saw a record 1.2 million EVs sold in the U.S., signaling strong market growth.
- The regulation faces opposition from Republican states and the fossil fuel industry, while automakers receive more time to meet EV sales targets.
Key quote:
"Our final rule delivers the same — if not more — pollution reduction than we set out at proposal."
— Michael Regan, EPA Administrator
Why this matters:
This major rule change by the Biden administration, fossil fuel pushback notwithstanding, seeks to add momentum to an already inexorable march towards a more sustainable transportation system in the U.S. Expanding electric vehicle access will help improve air quality and mobility in low-income communities plagued by environmental racism.
