WASHINGTON, DC (WOAY) – The Biden administration has announced new emissions standards that are being touted as “historic progress.” Members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation disagree.
The new rules are not as strict from 2027 to 2029 as previously announced, but ramp up until the new preferred benchmark is reached in 2032.
It targets emissions from cars and trucks that use gas or diesel. It also requires increased sales of electric vehicles. By 2032, electric vehicles need to make up 52% of new car sales.
Both of West Virginia’s senators criticized the new rules in statements today, saying the federal government has no authority over the personal purchases of Americans.
“This reckless and ill-informed rule will impose what is effectively an EV mandate without ensuring the security of our supply chains from nations like China and without a realistic transition plan that addresses our domestic infrastructure needs,” Senator Joe Manchin said.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito echoed Manchin’s comments. Further, she said the United States does not have proper infrastructure to support increased electric vehicle usage.
“Ironically, this is all coming at a time when the EPA is simultaneously forcing the closure of power plants that provide the baseload electricity these vehicles will rely on. These regulations represent yet another step toward an unrealistic transition to electric vehicles that Americans do not want and cannot afford, which threatens America’s electric grid and increases our reliance on China for critical minerals,” Capito said.
