Biden’s Big Move to Cut Tailpipe Emissions

In a major step to curb tailpipe emissions, the Biden administration has announced new vehicle emissions standards that aim to significantly reduce pollution from passenger cars and trucks over the coming decade. The new rules set the strictest targets for tailpipe emissions the US has ever seen and are expected to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

The regulations will require a 56% reduction in average tailpipe emissions per vehicle by 2032, all but ensuring EVs make up a much larger share of new car sales in the coming years. Currently EVs are only around 7% of sales but the EPA projects the new standards could see EVs and plug-in hybrids make up around 70% of vehicles on the road by the early 2030s.

A Major Climate and Public Health Win

Reducing tailpipe emissions is crucial for tackling both climate change and air pollution issues. Transportation accounts for the largest portion of US greenhouse gas emissions and passenger vehicles are a significant source of harmful pollutants. The EPA estimates the new standards will eliminate over 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2055 and dramatically cut emissions of particulate matter, NOx and other pollutants that negatively impact public health.

The rules do not mandate electric vehicles but through setting clear tailpipe emissions reduction targets, they will essentially require automakers to sell many more EVs or face penalties. The auto industry had pushed for less aggressive targets but overall still supports the regulations as it provides long term certainty about future vehicle standards. The move is a big victory for the Biden administration in its efforts to slash domestic emissions through both legislation and executive action.