President Joe Biden is facing a lawsuit from the top U.S. oil and corn industry lobby groups, who announced on Tuesday their opposition to his administration’s plan to cut planet-warming emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, citing potential economic harm.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completed the finalization of new regulations for semi-trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles. These rules apply to models released between 2027 and 2032, aiming to reduce 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2055.
According to EPA data, heavy-duty vehicles constitute approximately 7% of national emissions, making them significant contributors to climate change. These standards are a key component of President Biden’s comprehensive strategy to combat global warming.
Ryan Meyers, senior vice president and general counsel for the American Petroleum Institute (API), stated, “The EPA is mandating a shift to technology that currently does not exist for these types of vehicles. Even if such technology becomes available in the future, it will likely impact the average American.
The API, the leading lobbying group for the U.S. oil and gas industry, counts Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) among its members. On Tuesday, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association announced their participation in the lawsuit. They advocate for alternative approaches to combatting climate change, such as biofuels.