Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and more than 120 of his House and Senate colleagues have sent a bipartisan letter to the Biden administration, urging them to withdraw the proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The letter argues that these standards violate federal law and effectively mandate the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs).

In the letter, the lawmakers expressed their concerns about the proposed CAFE standards, stating that they represent another attempt by the administration to impose its climate agenda on American families. They argue that the proposed standards, when combined with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tailpipe emissions proposal, amount to a de facto mandate for EVs. They believe this could raise costs, restrict consumer choice, harm U.S. businesses, and threaten national security by handing over the automotive industry to adversaries like China.

The lawmakers strongly urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to withdraw its proposal and instead put forth a new set of CAFE standards that comply with the law and better serve the American people. They argue that NHTSA's proposal goes against the statutory limitations and lacks clear congressional authorization. They highlight that the proposal factors in EVs in its regulatory baseline, creating standards that can only be met through the mass production of EVs.

The lawmakers suggest that rather than imposing an EV mandate, NHTSA should focus on market-driven standards that promote competition among different technologies. They believe this approach would ensure the availability of vehicles that meet consumer preferences and needs, while still reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They argue that EVs have their own carbon footprint and are not a practical option for most Americans due to various factors such as higher prices, shorter driving ranges, and inadequate charging infrastructure.

The lawmakers also express concerns about the unrealistic and unachievable nature of NHTSA's proposed standards. They argue that the standards would significantly increase costs for both the industry and consumers. Automakers would have to more than double fuel efficiency by 2032 or face exorbitant regulatory penalties for non-compliance. The lawmakers believe that these increased costs would be passed on to consumers and would disproportionately burden those who can least afford it.

Furthermore, the lawmakers highlight the potential harm to energy and national security that could result from a de facto EV mandate. They argue that the power grid would not be able to handle the increased electricity consumption associated with mass adoption of EVs. They also point out that the U.S. currently relies heavily on China for critical minerals and materials needed for EV production. China's dominance in the production of lithium-ion batteries and other key components puts the U.S. at a disadvantage and strengthens China's position as a global leader in EV manufacturing.

In conclusion, the lawmakers urge NHTSA to stop its attempt to regulate gas-powered vehicles out of the market and force EVs onto buyers. They call for a workable proposal that complies with the law and better serves the American people. The letter emphasizes the need for preserving consumer choice, promoting competition, and addressing emissions in a realistic and technology-neutral manner.