WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) opposing the Biden administration’s new regulation on heavy-duty vehicle emissions. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) voted against implementing the Biden administration’s rule.

“The EPA’s proposed rule on heavy-duty vehicle emissions will cause vehicle prices to soar, and will ultimately hurt families who will be forced to shoulder these costs when buying goods,” said Risch. “Clearly, the Biden administration’s green agenda is coming at a massive cost to the American people. I will continue pushing back against the president’s burdensome, costly, and unnecessary regulations.” 

“America’s trucking industry already adheres to numerous regulations reducing emissions,” said Crapo. “This rule may dramatically increase the costs associated with trucking, which will in turn increase the transportation costs for many goods including food.  Imposing stricter regulations on a vital and struggling industry is counterproductive.  At a time of sky-high inflation, the Biden Administration should be looking for ways to reduce costs on America’s families and workers.”

Senators Risch and Crapo with Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and 31 other Senators introduced this resolution in February. The resolution is supported by several outside groups.

Background:

The EPA finalized its rule on new emission standards for heavy duty vehicles on December 20, 2022. The rule would go into effect on March 27, 2023. 

The rule’s new standards cover (NOx) and other air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide (CO). The rule would also change requirements regarding emission control systems and emission-related warranties.

The EPA estimated the technology required to meet the new rule’s standards will cost between $2,568 and $8,304 per vehicle.

Existing regulations on trucks have already resulted in a decrease in NOx emissions between 98% and 99% compared to models from the late 1990s. 

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