The American Petroleum Institute (API) has filed a lawsuit in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fuel efficiency standard for passenger cars and light-duty trucks for model years 2027-2032. This move comes as API has also led lawsuits challenging Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tailpipe emissions standards for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.
According to API Senior Vice President and general counsel, Ryan Meyers, American consumers are now facing an array of unreasonable vehicle mandates that may limit choices and make it more difficult to afford new cars and trucks in a time of persistent inflation. The industry group is taking legal action to combat what they view as overly restrictive regulations that could have negative impacts on consumer choice and affordability.
In its lawsuit, API argues that the Biden administration’s latest rule on tailpipe emissions seems aimed at phasing out gas-powered vehicles. The group claims that this would result in higher costs for consumers, as well as limiting their ability to choose from a variety of options when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle.
API believes that the fuel efficiency standard should be balanced with other factors such as safety, reliability, and affordability. The group is calling on the Biden administration to work with them to find a solution that meets these goals while also protecting consumers’ rights and freedoms.