US oil trade group challenges Biden administration's EV mandate in court

The American Petroleum Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration's new tailpipe emission rules, arguing they exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's authority and threaten the gas-powered car market.

Jarrett Renshaw reports for Reuters.


In short:

  • The American Petroleum Institute (API), along with co-petitioners, filed a federal lawsuit against new EPA emission rules promoting electric vehicles.
  • The rules aim for up to 56% of car sales to be electric by 2032, but API claims they exceed congressional authority.
  • The National Corn Growers Association and American Farm Bureau Federation join the lawsuit, citing negative impacts on the corn-ethanol industry.

Key quote:

“Today, we are taking action to protect American consumers, U.S. manufacturing workers and our nation’s hard-won energy security from this intrusive government mandate.”

— Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel

Why this matters:

API argues that the stringent emission standards could significantly disrupt the gas-powered car market, potentially driving up costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. On the other side, environmental advocates and the Biden administration maintain that these measures are crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing pollution. The new rules are part of a broader strategy to transition towards cleaner, more efficient vehicles, with an emphasis on electric cars.

A man of African descent wearing a tank top riding bicycle in front of white building near palm tree during daytime.

Climate factors make Jamaica especially vulnerable to Hurricane Melissa

More frequent and intense storms, sea-level rise and extensive rainfall fueled by climate change mean the island nation is likely to be hit especially hard by this week’s storm.
Bicycles leaning against a railing on a bridge over a canal in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's 750th anniversary showcases centuries of climate adaptation

From centuries-old dikes to new floating neighborhoods, Amsterdam's legacy of living with water offers vital lessons for cities confronting the realities of climate change.

Bowl of vegetables with avocado and garbanzo beans

A shift in food taxes could cut emissions and make diets healthier, researchers say

A new study suggests that taxing climate-intensive foods like beef and dairy, while making fruits and vegetables cheaper, could significantly cut emissions and improve diets.

A view of a group of cows

Look out for these 8 Big Ag greenwashing terms at COP30

Food and farming companies will claim agriculture is the solution to the climate crisis at the Brazil summit — even though the sector drives a third of global warming.
A view of a lake with low water levels

Drought is quietly pushing American cities toward a fiscal cliff

As droughts grow longer and more severe, cities like Clyde, Texas, are discovering that water scarcity doesn’t just dry up reservoirs, it can drain municipal budgets and destabilize the $4 trillion bond market that funds essential public services.

A man with a soccer ball with a sunset in the background

Athletes call for climate adaptation fightback ahead of COP30

Climate change is one of the toughest opponents facing any athlete, warns Brazilian soccer player Tamires Dias, one of around 40 elite sportsmen and women involved in the launch of a new global campaign that will feature at next month's COP30 summit in her country.
judges gavel
Credit: Yunus TuğFor Unsplash+

Trump and Republicans join Big Oil’s all-out push to shut down climate liability efforts

Republican attorneys general, GOP lawmakers, industry groups and the president himself are all maneuvering to foreclose the ability of cities and states to hold the fossil fuel industry liable for damages linked to climate change.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.