Biden Administration Announces Target of 50% of New Vehicles to be Zero Emissions by 2030
On Thursday, August 5th, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that the President plans to sign an executive order setting a target of 50% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 to be zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/05/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-steps-to-drive-american-leadership-forward-on-clean-cars-and-trucks/.) The purpose of the yet to be signed executive order, according to the White House, is to “drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China, and tackle the climate crisis.” (Id.) While the press release from the White House did not specifically state how the electric vehicle target would be achieved, the White House mentioned that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) would shortly announce new policies on fuel efficiency and emissions standards that likely will encourage auto manufacturers to meet these targets.