Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Pete Ricketts have announced plans to introduce Congressional Review Act (CRA) legislation aimed at reversing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) newly finalized emission standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. The senators, both members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued a joint statement criticizing the Biden administration's rule.

"This rule is delusional," stated Sullivan and Ricketts. "This is the Biden administration’s attempt to get rid of the internal-combustion engine without congressional authority. Together, we will be introducing Congressional Review Act legislation to overturn Biden’s EV mandate."

The senators argue that Congress must act to prevent increased vehicle costs and protect consumer choice. They also expressed concerns about reliance on foreign countries like China for critical minerals needed in electric vehicles.

Ricketts emphasized the potential impact on working-class Americans: "Access to a vehicle is a pathway out of poverty for tens of millions of working-class Americans. Biden’s rule will make it harder for them and all Americans to buy and maintain a vehicle."

Sullivan pointed out potential challenges for states like Nebraska or Alaska due to extreme weather conditions and long distances: "Most importantly, current EV technology will not work for states like Nebraska or Alaska."

Ricketts plans to introduce CRA legislation targeting the light- and medium-duty vehicles rule, while Sullivan will focus on the heavy-duty vehicles rule once it is finalized.

The EPA's authority under Title II of the Clean Air Act allows it to set emission standards for new motor vehicles. Since 2010, this has included greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. The new rules propose significant increases in electric vehicle production by model year 2032.