API and coalition partners file lawsuit against U.S. EPA
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027-2032. API argues that the EPA has overstepped its authority with regulations that aim to eliminate most new gasoline cars and traditional hybrids from the market within the next decade.
This lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the EPA’s mandate, highlighting the ongoing debate over the future of vehicle emissions standards and the balance between environmental goals and economic impacts.
Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel, stated, “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. EPA has exceeded its congressional authority with this regulation. We look forward to making our case in court.”
Joining API as co-petitioners are the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and six auto dealers representing 16 brands. The auto dealers include Mickey Anderson, president and CEO of Baxter Auto Group; Thomas Maoli, president and CEO of Celebrity Motor Cars; Roger Elswick, president and CEO of Community Auto Group; Steve Gates, owner of Gates Automotive Group; Phillip Tarver, owner of Lake Charles Toyota; and Bob Loquercio, owner of Bob Loquercio Auto Group.
Harold Wolle, president of the National Corn Growers Association, emphasised the role of ethanol in reducing greenhouse gas emissions: “EPA has ignored the proven benefits corn ethanol plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change. Ethanol is a critical and effective climate solution that is available now.”
Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, expressed concerns about the impact on farmers: “Farmers have invested in growing crops for renewable fuels. Now, unrealistic emissions goals are putting those investments at risk. Impractical standards for light-duty and medium-duty trucks will drive up costs and force reliance on a charging network that does not yet exist in rural areas.”
The new federal vehicle emissions standards, finalised in March by the Biden administration, require 68% of new passenger vehicles and 43% of new medium-duty trucks and vans to be electric by 2032.
API, representing all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and participates in the API Energy Excellence® program, which promotes environmental and safety progress through new technologies and transparent reporting. Formed in 1919, API has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
