Biden's new emissions regulations could cut jobs in the auto industry. Rust Belt Democrats support them anyway.

Several Democratic lawmakers from manufacturing-intensive Midwestern states are backing the Biden administration's new regulations restricting vehicle emissions, which experts say could dramatically reduce the number of gas-powered cars and lead to to fewer jobs in the auto industry.

On March 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule: Multi-Pollutant Emission Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later for Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicles – which would require roughly two-thirds of all light vehicles sold after the 2032 model year to be electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids. Critics have argued that the rule is a de facto EV mandate and will lead to fewer jobs in the long run, but the rule has been supported by Democratic members of Congress from Rust Belt states.

“To produce an electric vehicle as opposed to a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, it takes far fewer workers to actually produce an electric vehicle. There are fewer parts involved in assembly,” said Chris Ventura, chief executive of Consumer Energy Alliance, at the DCNF.

Not only will it @EPAThe vehicle standards substantially reduce carbon pollution, but are also projected to provide $13 billion in annual health benefits by reducing air pollution that can cause premature death, heart attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and much more. pic.twitter.com/o83NS2RRFs

— Michael Regan, US EPA (@EPAMichaelRegan) March 20, 2024

“A switch to electric vehicles as announced by the EPA will make life worse for everyday consumers and cost them more for the privilege of having their lives hassle-free,” OH Skinner, executive director of the Consumer Alliance, told the DCNF.

“The Biden administration has finalized regulations that will unequivocally eliminate most new gasoline cars and traditional hybrids from the U.S. market in less than a decade,” wrote the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute in one joint statement.

Although the United Auto Workers union expressed support for the regulations, many grassroots auto workers are less optimistic about the mandate, believing it would result in fewer jobs, previously the DCNF reported.

Is beloved that the regulations will force manufacturers to ensure that electric vehicles make up about 44% of their sales by 2030. Many Democratic representatives from Michigan, the historic home of the auto industry, and other manufacturing states have given support for the new rule.

“[T]The auto industry and government officials came together to announce new auto emissions standards that will allow American workers to build tomorrow's cars and trucks right here in America,” wrote the Democrat. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, who is also running for Senate. in the year 2024, a statement shared by his office with the DCNF. “It is important, as industry officials have emphasized, [the] The ad will ensure consumers can choose the car that's right for them, however, it's fueled.”

“I appreciate EPA's commitment to engage with our auto manufacturers and workers to develop an ambitious but achievable final rule. It represents an opportunity for union workers to continue building the vehicles of the future here in the U.S. and to address the crisis climate,” said retired Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who was introduced to the EPA. Press release announcing the rule. Slotkin is running for Stabenow's seat in what is likely to be a narrow race.

The new EPA tailpipe emissions standard limits the market for ethanol, ignoring the environmental and economic benefits of this homegrown fuel that would help meet America's climate goals. Read more from @_garrettdowns activated @POLITICOPro: https://t.co/vhcRdwNbEk. pic.twitter.com/0p6jVyIYSa

— National Corn (NCGA) (@NationalCorn) March 21, 2024

“The EPA has worked with all stakeholders to achieve this final rule that includes hybrid and electric vehicles and to ensure that these goals are achievable,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, in a statement its shared office with the DCNF. “It's important to protect vehicle choice – the number of models available has doubled in the last three years, and in the last year sticker prices have dropped by 20%. We must continue to work to ensure that make these vehicles affordable for everyone, that we have the infrastructure to make them accessible and practical for consumers, and bring jobs back to America.”

The Dingell district includes several auto manufacturing facilities, including Ford Rawsonville plant and a General Motors parts packing facility.

One Democrat, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, voiced his own support by the rule upon its approval by the United Auto Workers. “The union embraces the future of the auto industry, but they also want to make sure it can be done at a realistic pace and with minimal impact on jobs. This was a decision that certainly tries to address everything that,” Peters told Politico.

Not all Rust Belt Democratic representatives were optimistic about the new rules. Democratic senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia criticized them in a statement released by his office.

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