The House of Representatives has approved a joint resolution that would do away with the Environmental Protection Agency’s tailpipe emissions standards, which Republicans have criticized as amounting to an electric vehicle mandate.
In a surprising break with the administration, eight Democrats sided with Republicans on Friday in passing H.J. Res. 136 in a 215-191 vote. The measure would nullify the strict climate regulation for passenger cars and trucks issued by the EPA earlier this year.
The joint resolution, which was co-sponsored by more than 120 members of the House, was introduced by Rep. John James (R-MI) in May through the Congressional Review Act. The CRA allows Congress to review and disapprove of rules put forth by varying agencies. At the time, James lambasted the EPA’s tailpipe emissions rule, claiming it would put tens of thousands of auto manufacturing jobs in his district at risk.
“This is a de-facto electric vehicle mandate that will put all 77,580 manufacturing jobs in MI-10 at great risk of extinction,” James said.
The standards, published In April, are in line with the Biden administration’s goal to increase the fleet of electric vehicles on the roads while lowering carbon emissions from gas- and diesel-powered cars. The agency has said the rule would help achieve over 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide reductions by 2055.
To do so, the rule would cut tailpipe emissions for model year 2026 cars and light-duty trucks by nearly 50%, as well as by 44% for medium-duty trucks, compared to previous standards. While the rule would not take effect until 2027, the EPA said it would require 67% of passenger vehicles to be EVs or hybrids by 2032.
Critics have claimed the standards will make new gas-powered vehicles unavailable or extremely expensive for consumers. In June, three industry groups filed multiple lawsuits against the EPA in an effort to overturn the rule.
The joint resolution now must be approved in the Democratic-led Senate before heading to President Joe Biden’s desk. The resolution faces a tough battle to pass in the Senate as a previous opposing bill to block funding for the EPA’s rule failed in April.
However, if the bill does succeed in passing in the Senate, Biden has indicated he will veto the resolution. The Office of Management and Budget released a statement strongly criticizing the disapproval on Friday morning, saying it would cause “uncertainty for the U.S. auto market and supply chains.”
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“Passage of H.J. Res. 136 would also artificially constrain consumer vehicle choice, weaken U.S. manufacturing and energy security, and harm public health,” the administration added.
The transportation sector currently is considered to be the largest source of greenhouse gasses, making up 28% of emissions in the U.S. It sits just ahead of electricity production, according to the EPA.