Carper asks EPA to require half of new cars to be zero-emissions by 2030

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom CarperThomas (Tom) Richard CarperManchin says he doesn’t support DC statehood, election reform bills Senate passes bipartisan B water infrastructure bill Senate Democrats push Biden over raising refugee cap MORE (D-Del.) on Monday called for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop national tailpipe emissions standards for new cars in line with those proposed by California.

The standards Carper called for would require half of all new light passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by decade’s end, and for all of them to be zero-emission by 2035.

In a letter to EPA administrator Michael ReganMichael ReganCrenshaw makes first appearance at hearing since eye surgery Biden’s first 100 days: Where he stands on science OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Senate nixes Trump rule limiting methane regulation | Senate confirms EPA chief: Biden’s climate goals are ‘an opportunity to lead’ | Fine-particle pollution disproportionately hurts people of color: research MORE, Carper notes that Trump-era EPA rules both relaxed emission standards and authorized the federal government to overrule state-level emissions and electric vehicle standards.

While Carper acknowledges the Biden administration has announced several steps to revisit those rules, he also cites moves by other countries, particularly China, that are “better preparing” for a transition away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

“If the U.S. does not establish a robust policy that leads to zero emission vehicle deployment … we will be at risk of losing our automotive jobs and industry leadership to other nations, as well as enduring unnecessary public health impacts from pollution,” Carper wrote.

“The future of automobile manufacturing sector is at a crossroads. The Clean Air Act provides sufficient authority for the U.S. EPA to rise to this challenge,” he added. “EPA can establish requirements on new cars that would significantly reduce air pollution harming communities, put the nation on track to maintain its leadership in vehicle technology, and make significant progress in fighting climate change.”

Carper, who has long been an environmental advocate but is not associated with the progressive wing of his party, noted that the standard would also be in line with numerous steps already independently taken by automakers. Ford, for example, has said all new vehicles sold in Europe will be electric by 2030, while Volkswagen has set a target of 70 percent electric vehicles in Europe and 50 percent in the U.S. and China by 2030.

California Gov. Gavin NewsomGavin NewsomHow Caitlyn Jenner could reshape the future of the Republican party Harris, Pelosi backing Newsom amid recall effort States now flush with cash after depths of pandemic MORE (D) announced the statewide standards in a September executive order, which also aims to require medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the state to be zero-emissions by 2045.

The Hill has reached out to the EPA for comment.