U.S. Tightens Car Mileage Rules, Part of Strategy to Fight Climate Change
The Biden administration has announced new vehicle fuel mileage standards as part of its strategy to combat climate change. The new measure requires automakers to achieve an average of 65 miles per gallon for all the car models they sell by 2031. This move is aimed at transforming the American auto market into one that is dominated by electric vehicles that do not emit harmful pollution.
According to climate experts, retiring the internal combustion engine is crucial in order to prevent the most deadly and costly effects of global warming. The Transportation Department’s new mileage standards are just one of several regulations being implemented to push carmakers towards producing more electric vehicles.
In addition to the new regulations, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, supported by President Biden, provides tax credits for buyers of new and used electric vehicles, as well as incentives for charging stations and grants and loans for manufacturers. The goal is to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce the reliance on traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Despite these efforts, the push for more electric vehicles has faced opposition from former President Donald J. Trump and other Republicans. They argue that the government is limiting consumer choice and have launched a campaign criticizing the policies aimed at promoting electric vehicles. The oil and gas industry has also been vocal in its opposition, with advertisements falsely claiming that the Biden administration’s policies amount to a ban on conventional cars.
Mr. Trump has made attacking electric vehicles a key part of his platform, spreading misinformation about their performance and impact on the automobile industry. He has pledged to overturn President Biden’s climate policies if he is re-elected, including the federal support for electric vehicles.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s move to tighten car mileage rules is a significant step towards fighting climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable transportation system. By promoting electric vehicles and reducing reliance on gasoline-powered cars, the U.S. aims to reduce harmful emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming.