Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Senator Rick Scott, has sent a letter to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calling for the withdrawal of the Biden administration's proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The proposed standards, which aim to increase the average fleet-wide fuel economy, would effectively mandate the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) and phase out gas-powered cars and trucks.

In the letter, the lawmakers express their concern that the proposed standards do not comply with federal law and would limit consumer choice and increase costs. They argue that Americans should have the ability to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs and affordability, rather than having the federal government dictate their options.

Chet Thompson, President and CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), supports the lawmakers' call for withdrawal, stating that the Biden administration's agenda to ban new gas, diesel, and flex fuel vehicles is detrimental to American families, the economy, and national security. Thompson highlights the lack of Congressional authorization for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NHTSA to regulate internal combustion engine vehicles out of the market. He emphasizes the importance of consumer-first policies that encourage competition among all technologies and powertrains, including American-made fuels.

Amanda Eversole, Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Petroleum Institute (API), echoes Thompson's concerns. She argues that the proposed rules would effectively ban the sale of vehicles using gasoline and other liquid fuels, resulting in higher costs, fewer options, and increased reliance on unstable foreign supply chains. Eversole commends the efforts of the lawmakers in protecting consumers' access to affordable and reliable vehicle options.

The letter from the lawmakers emphasizes that the proposed standards, coupled with the EPA's tailpipe emissions proposal, would strengthen foreign adversaries and harm American businesses and consumers. They urge the NHTSA to drop its attempt at central planning and instead propose a workable solution that complies with the law and better serves the American people.

The call for the withdrawal of the EV mandate comes amidst ongoing debates and discussions surrounding climate change and the role of electric vehicles in reducing emissions. While efforts to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation and improve vehicle performance and efficiency are widely supported, the lawmakers argue that the proposed standards do not provide a comprehensive and consumer-centric solution.

The full letter can be accessed [here](insert link).

As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to the lawmakers' call for withdrawal. The future of the proposed CAFE standards and the direction of the automotive industry in the United States hang in the balance.