WASHINGTON (December 20, 2021)—Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a stronger vehicle emissions rule, which is a critical tool in achieving the United States’ goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and ensure that all Americans breathe clean air.

The final rule revises greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and trucks for Model Years (MY) 2023 and increases stringency year-over-year, between 5% and 10%, through 2026. The new rules will result in $190 billion net benefits in pollution reduction, public health and consumer savings. The EPA announced it will establish multi-pollutant emissions standards for MY 2027 and beyond to further reduce harmful emissions from the transportation sector.

The new rule builds on President Joe Biden’s commitment to address greenhouse gas emissions – including his Executive Order setting a goal for 50% of all new passenger vehicle sales to be zero emission vehicles by 2030 and his recent Executive Order for the federal government to procure 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035 and 100% zero-emission light duty cars and trucks by 2027.

Following is a statement from Dan Lashof, Director, WRI United States:

“Today the Biden administration made history by setting the strongest national vehicle emissions standards the United States has ever seen. Responding to formal comments from WRI and many others, the final rule is significantly stronger than the proposal made last August, reflecting the dynamic growth of the electric vehicle market as battery prices fall. The American people are the real winners as the new rules will reduce air pollution that harms public health and contributes to climate change, while also saving consumers money at the pump, creating good-paying American jobs and accelerating vehicle electrification across the country.

“Transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and rapid progress toward a 100% zero emissions vehicle future is needed to achieve the nation’s 2030 emissions target and address the climate crisis. While further action must be taken by Congress and the administration to reduce transportation emissions and ensure that the benefits of electric vehicles and clean transportation are accessible to all Americans, the new rules steer the country toward a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous future.”