The Senate voted in favor of passing a bill reversing the Biden administration’s actions mandating states to track and set reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on highways. The resolution, introduced by Sens. Kevin Cramer, Shelley Moore Capito, and Joe Manchin, aims to overturn the regulations finalized by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration in November. These regulations supported President Biden’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, giving states the flexibility to set their own climate targets. However, lawmakers argued that the FHWA overstepped its authority by imposing performance measures on state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations.
The bill was approved in a 53-47 vote, with several Democratic senators joining every Republican in voting in favor. Sen. Cramer criticized the Biden administration for introducing the rule, which requires state departments of transportation to measure CO2 tailpipe emissions and set declining targets for vehicles traveling on highway systems. Cramer argued that un-elected bureaucrats should not assert authority they do not have and impose federal regulations on states. Following the Senate vote, the bill now faces a vote in the House where a companion bill has already been introduced. Despite the Senate’s approval, the White House issued a statement saying President Biden would veto the bill if passed.
The Senate’s passage of the resolution comes after two federal courts ruled in favor of a coalition of states and industry groups, striking down the FHWA regulations. The Department of Transportation and FHWA remain committed to supporting the Biden administration’s climate goals of cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The FHWA spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the court’s decision and determining next steps. Despite the legal challenges and pushback from lawmakers, the Biden administration remains focused on its climate goals and will continue to work towards reducing carbon emissions through various initiatives and regulations.
The resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s regulations received support from both Republicans and a few Democratic senators who believe that the FHWA overstepped its authority in issuing the rules. Sen. Cramer argued that Congress did not explicitly authorize the agency to impose performance measures on state transportation departments and metropolitan planning organizations. The resolution aims to end what lawmakers see as federal overreach and allow states to set their own climate targets without federal interference. It is part of a broader debate over the balance of power between the federal government and individual states on issues related to climate change and environmental regulations.
Despite the Senate’s approval of the resolution, the White House has indicated that President Biden would veto the bill if it passes in the House. The administration remains committed to its climate goals, which include reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The FHWA is reviewing the court decisions that struck down its regulations and considering next steps. The resolution highlights the ongoing political and legal battles over climate policy and the role of the federal government in setting and enforcing environmental regulations. It also reflects the broader debate over the balance between federal and state authority in addressing complex issues such as climate change.
