Groups sue EPA over emissions violations

Exceeding Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards led to a lawsuit. Chad Smith has more on the legal challenge.

Blacksmith: The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Corn Growers Association have joined the American Petroleum Institute in suing the EPA over its light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards for model years 2027–2032. Travis Cushman, deputy general counsel of AFBF, explains the problems with this rule.

Cushman: The rule would mean that by 2032, 68 percent of all passenger cars and light trucks would have to be electric, and 43 percent of large pickup trucks and vans would have to be electric. We argue that the EPA does not regulate air emissions here. They are requiring the country to change the way vehicles are powered, and in doing so they are going well beyond the scope of the powers given to them by the regulator.

Blacksmith: Cushman says the rule would place a heavy burden on farmers and ranchers.

Cushman: This rule aims to artificially and significantly reduce the supply of internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles, thus forcing consumers to abandon ecological biofuels in favor of much more expensive electric vehicles. Rural America lacks adequate charging infrastructure. As a result, farmers will systematically lose access to the large biofuel market, and the purchase of agricultural vehicles will become much more expensive.

Blacksmith: It tells the story of what happens next in the legal process.

Cushman: So let’s start discussing this issue. After we present our case, the Court will make oral arguments and then issue a decision. We are represented by Paul Clement, a former general counsel, so working with him is extremely exciting.

Blacksmith: To stay up to date with events, visit fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.