In a statement on August 5, President Biden said that “America must lead the world on clean and efficient cars and trucks. That means bolstering our domestic market by setting a goal that 50% of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. My Administration will prioritize setting clear standards, expanding key infrastructure, spurring critical innovation, and investing in the American autoworker. This will allow us to boost jobs — with good pay and benefits — across the United States along the full supply chain for the automotive sector, from parts and equipment manufacturing to final assembly.”
In a fact sheet issued by the White House, the administration notes that automakers have announced that their goal of reaching 40% to 50% electric vehicle sales share in 2030.
From a global perspective, the administration said that many countries are “sprinting to lead” this trend and notes that “China is increasingly cornering the global supply chain for electric vehicles and batteries with its fast-growing electric vehicle market. By setting clear targets for electric vehicle sale trajectories, these countries are becoming magnets for private investment into their manufacturing sectors – from parts and materials to final assembly. “
The administration laid out a number of specific measures. However, looking specifically at light-, medium-, and certain heavy-duty vehicles with regard to both pollutant and fuel economy standards for 2027 and later the policy is as follows:
(a) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, consider beginning work on a rulemaking under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q) to establish new multi-pollutant emissions standards, including for greenhouse gas emissions, for light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning with model year 2027 and extending through and including at least model year 2030.
(b) The Secretary of Transportation shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, consider beginning work on a rulemaking under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140, 121 Stat. 1492) (EISA) to establish new fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks beginning with model year 2027 and extending through and including at least model year 2030.
(c) The Secretary of Transportation shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, consider beginning work on a rulemaking under EISA to establish new fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans beginning with model year 2028 and extending through and including at least model year 2030.
While this section is just one of many, the overall goal, as stated by the administration is to "improve our economy and public health, boost energy security, secure consumer savings, advance environmental justice, and address the climate crisis."
