SE Wyoming News

Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis, Vice Chair Dan Sullivan, and Senator Pete Ricketts have strongly criticized the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rule for light-duty and medium-duty vehicle emission standards. Lummis expressed her concerns, stating, "For more than three years, this administration has stretched its power and attempted to circumvent congressional authority to force its outrageous EV mandate on the people of Wyoming."

Ricketts and Sullivan also joined in the criticism, with Ricketts calling the rule "delusional" and Sullivan highlighting the administration's attempt to eliminate internal-combustion engines without proper congressional authority. They announced their intention to introduce Congressional Review Act legislation to overturn President Biden's EV mandate, emphasizing the importance of protecting consumer choice and the free-market economy.

The Western Caucus members raised valid concerns about the implications of the EPA rule on consumer choice, vehicle costs, and national security. They argued that the mandate could make the United States more reliant on foreign adversaries for critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, potentially creating an energy and supply-chain crisis. They also pointed out that current EV technology may not be suitable for states like Nebraska or Alaska due to extreme weather conditions and long distances.

The EPA's rule, unveiled on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, aims to establish multipollutant emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, with a projected increase in electric vehicle production by 2032. However, critics like the Western Caucus members believe that the mandate could have negative economic and practical implications, making it harder for working-class Americans to afford and maintain vehicles.

The ongoing debate over the EPA's emissions rule reflects broader concerns about environmental regulations, consumer choice, and national security implications. As the Biden administration pushes for increased electric vehicle adoption, opposition voices like the Western Caucus are advocating for a more balanced approach that considers the diverse needs and challenges of different regions across the United States.