Biden Accelerates Electric Vehicle Sales... Pushes Historic Emission Regulations

The Biden administration in the United States is preparing to introduce stringent regulations on emissions from domestic cars and light trucks to accelerate the sales of electric vehicles, Bloomberg reported on the 16th (local time).

President Joe Biden / Photo by Yonhap News

According to the report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to establish regulations on emissions such as smog-causing pollutants, soot, and carbon dioxide within days. Bloomberg predicted that once these regulations are implemented, electric vehicle sales will far exceed current levels. The EPA estimates that to meet the proposed requirements, electric vehicles will need to account for about two-thirds of cars and light trucks sold by 2032.

The report assessed this measure as one of the most significant climate response regulations imposed by President Biden. It also emphasized that it is crucial for the U.S. to fulfill its Paris Agreement commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least half by 2030.

The transportation sector is the largest source of global warming pollutants in the U.S. However, President Biden, who is seeking re-election in the November presidential election, faces the challenge of balancing these regulations. Michigan, a key battleground state in the election, is home to many automotive industry workers who are anxious about a rapid transition to electric vehicles.

U.S. automakers warn that considering factors beyond the industry's control, such as charging station installations, the targets outlined in the draft cannot be met. In response, the EPA plans to adopt less stringent year-over-year emission reduction standards in the short term while fundamentally aiming to achieve the same 2032 target. Sources added that the regulations are not yet finalized.