API Statement on Reports of Biden Administration Doubling Down on Tailpipe Rule

WASHINGTON, February 22, 2024 — The American Petroleum Institute (API) today issued the following statement from President and CEO Mike Sommers in response to reports that the Biden administration is considering changing the implementation timeline for its proposed tailpipe emissions standards:

“Reports that the EPA is moving forward with a de facto ban on new gasoline-powered cars shows the Biden administration is significantly out of step with the American people. Don’t be fooled, a revised timeline won’t change the fact that EPA’s proposal would result in two out of every three new cars needing to be electric in just eight short years. The mandate would restrict Americans’ freedom to drive how they choose and restrict continued innovation in the automotive sector to one technology primarily sourced from China. It doesn’t have to be this way. Liquid fuels provide customers of all economic backgrounds an affordable, reliable, and increasingly cleaner way to commute. API urges the administration to withdrawal this deeply flawed proposal and allow the American people to decide how they want to drive. We will keep all options on the table if the agency moves forward with this ban.”

Last April, the Biden administration proposed new federal vehicle emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles that require 67% of new passenger vehicles and 40 percent of new medium-duty trucks and vans to be all-electric by 2032. In comments submitted to the EPA in July, API outlined major concerns with several aspects of the proposed rule, including its heavy reliance on electric vehicles to achieve compliance. While battery technology has improved in recent years, the proposed rule ignores the significant infrastructure, consumer acceptance, and supply chain challenges that remain. In addition, EPA’s narrow focus on a singular technology risks undermining U.S. energy security by forcing a greater reliance on foreign sources for raw materials and critical minerals.

API's comments highlighted better ways to accomplish the agency’s goal of reducing emissions while preserving consumer choice in accessing affordable and reliable transportation options.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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