This week, the Environmental Protection Agency released a final rule to require multi-pollutant emissions reductions from 2027-2032 model years cars and light trucks.  The final rule represents the most significant action, to date, that the Biden Administration has taken to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions.  According to the EPA, when fully implemented, the rule will result in:

• 7-billion-ton reduction in carbon emissions through 2055
• $13 billion annual public health benefits due to improved air quality

While the final rule is technology neutral, to meet the targets set out in the regulation, automotive manufacturers will need to quickly expand the number of fully electric, plug in electric and other zero-emission vehicles produced and sold in the U.S. market.

“This is a win on many fronts for health and the environment,” says Alison Lee MD, chair of the ATS Environmental Health Policy Committee.  “The new EPA regulation will lower emissions of dangerous pollutants like ozone and PM that exacerbate respiratory conditions, reduce roadway emissions that impact underserved communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are changing our climate in dangerous ways.”