On March 8, 2024, a group of Republican senators introduced new legislation aimed at blocking President Joe Biden’s executive order mandating the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States. The bill, titled the “Affordable Transportation and Energy Protection Act,” seeks to halt the administration’s goal of having 50% of new car sales be electric by 2030, arguing that the mandate will lead to higher vehicle prices, a reduced supply of affordable cars, and further strain the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), the lead sponsor of the bill, expressed strong concerns that the Biden administration’s push to transition to electric vehicles too quickly would be harmful to the average American family. Barrasso, who has been critical of Biden’s climate policies, was joined by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in introducing the bill.
“The administration’s push for an electric vehicle mandate is yet another example of an overreach that will hurt American families,” Barrasso said during a press conference unveiling the bill. “This legislation ensures that consumers can still make their own decisions about what cars they want to buy without being forced into an expensive and impractical transition.”
Biden’s executive order, first introduced in 2021, set ambitious goals for reducing emissions in the transportation sector. One of the key targets was to ensure that half of all new cars sold in the U.S. by 2030 would be electric. The move is part of the administration’s broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, a cornerstone of its climate agenda.
Republicans, however, argue that the mandate is unrealistic and will place additional burdens on U.S. consumers and the automotive industry. Critics contend that EVs are still too expensive for many families, with the average cost of an electric vehicle exceeding $50,000. Moreover, Republicans argue that the push to convert the entire vehicle market to electric vehicles overlooks the need for further investment in EV charging infrastructure and concerns over the environmental impact of battery production.
The bill also includes provisions to boost the domestic production of oil and natural gas, emphasizing the need for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that ensures affordability and reliability. Industry groups like the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) have voiced support for the bill, highlighting concerns about the feasibility and affordability of an electric vehicle transition.
However, the bill faces strong opposition from environmental groups, many of whom argue that delaying the electric vehicle mandate would undermine efforts to address climate change. The Sierra Club and other clean energy organizations argue that pushing for a clean energy future is essential for reducing the country’s carbon footprint and achieving long-term sustainability.
As the debate intensifies, the outcome of this bill will have a profound impact on the future of U.S. transportation and energy policies, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
