Lobbying groups from the oil and gas industry have filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration due to their push towards the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has faced opposition from trade groups representing the oil and gas industry, who have filed two separate challenges against a new rule. The rule seeks to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles instead of traditional gas-powered cars.
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One lawsuit was filed by the American Petroleum Institute, a significant lobbying organization for the oil and gas industry. Additionally, six auto dealers and lobby groups representing corn growers and agricultural interests also joined in the lawsuit.
In a written statement, Ryan Meyers, the senior vice president and general counsel of the petroleum group, stated that they are taking action to safeguard American consumers, U.S. manufacturing workers, and the country’s energy security from the government mandate, which they consider invasive.
He added that the congressional authority has been exceeded by the EPA.
Other energy-related groups, including the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the Texas Oil & Gas Association, have filed a second suit.
By implementing new emission limits for automakers’ fleets, the EPA rule aims to increase the number of electric and plug-in hybrid cars sold in the market. According to the agency’s projection, the rule can potentially result in 56 percent of new car sales being electric and 13 percent being plug-in hybrids by 2032.
The lawsuits have been met with silence from the EPA. In justifying its rule, the agency highlighted the potential benefits of reducing emissions that contribute to climate change and improving air quality by transitioning to vehicles that do not rely on gas.
