(Missouri News Service – Alex Gonzalez) – In Arizona, four in every 1,000 people own electric vehicles (EVs), and a federal rule, soon to be finalized, could increase these numbers. The rule is gaining support but also faces criticism.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new car and light truck emission standards could require that up to two-thirds of new cars be all-electric by 2032. However, this move comes as EV sales have begun to slow down. Some experts suggest it could lead the Biden administration to announce more relaxed standards, easing into the ramp-up process more gradually.
Chris Harto, a senior policy analyst for Consumer Reports, expressed optimism about the rule’s progress. “We expect them to still deliver a significant portion of the climate and consumer benefits of the original rule,” Harto stated. “We’re planning to dig into the details as soon as we get them and run our modeling.”
Supporters of the rule argue that it could help mitigate serious health hazards. Nevertheless, the EPA has encountered resistance from automakers and oil companies. These groups argue that the U.S. is not prepared for such an aggressive push towards EVs, citing high EV prices and a lack of charging infrastructure. As of April 2023, Arizona boasted nearly 1,000 charging stations.
Matthew Davis, Vice President of Federal Policy for the League of Conservation Voters, pointed out that the nation’s transportation sector is the largest and fastest-growing source of planet-warming emissions. Introducing more EVs onto highways could become a contentious issue for President Joe Biden in his anticipated rematch with former President Donald Trump, who has criticized EVs and dismissed climate change as a hoax.
Davis emphasized the urgency of passing the rule. “We certainly had conversations with the Biden administration,” Davis said. “They are crystal clear about the importance of getting rules out to ensure they withstand likely legal challenges from the fossil fuel industry and any congressional challenges should Republicans gain control.”
Davis argued that the proposed rule would provide automakers with a variety of ways to meet the standards, ensuring positive impacts on public health and climate change.
