U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has joined forces with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). This resolution aims to overturn a new regulation from the Biden-Harris administration that would effectively ban gas-powered automobiles and force American consumers to purchase electric vehicles (EVs).
The final rule, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), coupled with the administration’s increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) civil penalties and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) vehicle emissions rule, is expected to raise car prices, limit consumer choice, and negatively impact U.S. auto workers.
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“The Biden-Harris administration is once again showing a complete disregard for the American taxpayers’ wallets,” said Senator Tuberville. “These new standards eliminate choice for consumers while forcing them to pay for Democrats’ radical climate agenda. I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to ensure EVs remain an option, not a requirement, for hardworking American families.”
The CRA targets the new CAFE standards, which can only be realistically met by electric vehicles, rather than internal combustion engines. These standards require passenger cars to achieve fuel efficiency rates that exceed the capabilities of current hybrid vehicles.
The rule effectively bans gas-powered vehicles as part of the Biden administration’s broader climate agenda. It limits consumer choice and disregards the negative impacts on U.S. businesses, consumers, the energy grid, and national security.
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On June 24, 2024, NHTSA published its rule on CAFE standards for passenger vehicles and light trucks for Model Years (MY) 2027-2032, and for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans for MYs 2030-2035.
CAFE standards aim to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks.
The new rule mandates an average fleet-wide fuel economy of 65.1 miles per gallon by 2031, a significant increase from the estimated 26.4 miles per gallon for 2022 model-year vehicles. Automakers must more than double fuel efficiency by 2031 or face substantial regulatory penalties and non-compliance fees.
By introducing this resolution, Senators Tuberville, Cruz, and their colleagues are responding to what they see as the Biden administration’s overreach, advocating for consumer choice and economic stability in the face of stringent new regulations.
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In addition to Senators Tuberville and Cruz, the resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
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