Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) are leading a group of lawmakers in urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to block the Biden administration's proposed rule that would require more than two-thirds of all vehicles sold in the U.S. to be fully electric within nine years. The lawmakers are calling for language from the House Appropriations Committee's bill to be included in the FY24 government funding package, preventing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing the rule.

In a letter addressed to Johnson and McConnell, the lawmakers expressed their concerns about the detrimental impact of the EPA mandate on the choices and affordability of cars, trucks, and SUVs for their constituents. They highlighted the issue of increased dependency on supply chains controlled by the Chinese government, stating, "Today, up to 90% of the electric vehicle battery supply chain relies on China." The lawmakers further noted that China's dominance in battery cell production and critical mineral processing is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

The lawmakers also emphasized the potential harm to America's national security and the limitation of consumer choice if the EPA's proposed regulation is implemented. They argued that the rule would not only hurt national security but also make affordable vehicles less accessible to the average American, particularly in a time of inflation, high interest rates, and rising costs.

The lawmakers' concerns are echoed by nearly 4,000 automotive dealers who have reported that their lots are filled with electric vehicles that the public does not want. These dealers have requested relief from President Biden's sales mandate for electric vehicles.

The full letter can be accessed here.

The lawmakers' efforts to prevent the Biden administration's EPA from implementing its rule requiring a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles sold in the U.S. have garnered attention and support from those who are concerned about the impact on consumer choice, affordability, and national security. The inclusion of language from the House Appropriations Committee's bill in the government funding package could potentially block funding for the mandate, providing relief to automotive dealers and consumers alike.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=F146062B-FBB1-4FBC-B919-39C378CD4199