Oil Industry Group Files Lawsuit to Strike Down Biden Administration’s Latest Emissions Rule for Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has filed a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s latest rule for tailpipe emissions in order to strike down the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fuel efficiency standard for model year 2027-2032 passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The oil industry group argues that the standard appears designed to phase out gas-powered vehicles, which they say will restrict choices and make it harder for consumers to afford new cars and trucks during a time of persistent inflation.

API has also led two other lawsuits this month challenging EPA tailpipe emissions standards for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles. According to API Senior Vice President and general counsel Ryan Meyers, these lawsuits aim to address what they believe are unreasonable vehicle mandates that will restrict choices and make it harder for consumers to afford new cars and trucks during a time of persistent inflation.

The API argues that the EPA’s regulations will have a significant impact on consumers by making it more expensive to purchase new vehicles that meet the standards. They also say that these regulations will lead to a decrease in consumer choice, as many people may not be able or willing to pay the higher prices for more efficient vehicles. Additionally, API believes that the government should focus on finding alternative sources of energy rather than phasing out gas-powered vehicles entirely.