The American Petroleum Institute (API) slammed the Biden administration鈥檚 proposal to change the implementation date of the proposed tailpipe emissions regulations, arguing that the American car industry would be limited to using only Chinese-sourced technologies for future innovation.
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% of new medium-duty trucks and vans to be all-electric by 2032.
In comments submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in July, the API outlined major concerns with several aspects of the proposed rule, including its heavy reliance on electric vehicles to achieve compliance.
According to the institute, despite the recent advancements in battery technology, the proposed rule ignores the significant infrastructure, consumer acceptance and supply chain challenges.
The institute also noted that the EPA's focus on a singular technology risks undermining US energy security by forcing a greater reliance on foreign sources for raw materials and critical minerals.
"Reports that the EPA is moving forward with a de facto ban on new gasoline-powered cars show the Biden administration is significantly out of step with the American people," API President and CEO Mike Sommers was quoted as saying in the statement.
Stressing that the mandate would restrict Americans鈥� freedom to drive how they choose and restrict continued innovation in the automotive sector to one technology primarily sourced from China, Sommers argues that it does not have to be this way.
"Liquid fuels provide customers of all economic backgrounds with an affordable, reliable, and increasingly cleaner way to commute. API urges the administration to withdraw 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," he added.
By Duygu Alhan
Anadolu Agency