Oil lobby groups sue over Biden EV push

Oil and gas lobbying groups are suing the Biden administration over its effort to move the nation toward electric vehicles (EVs).

In two separate filings, trade groups representing the oil and gas industry challenged a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that aims to shift new car sales toward electric vehicles.

The American Petroleum Institute, a major oil and gas lobbying organization, filed one suit alongside the lobby groups for corn growers and agricultural interests, as well as six auto dealers. 

“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,” said Ryan Meyers, senior vice president and general counsel of the petroleum group, in a written statement. 

“EPA has exceeded its congressional authority,” he added.

A second suit was filed by other energy-related groups including the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the Texas Oil & Gas Association. 

The EPA rule in question sets new emission limits for automakers’ fleets, and the agency projects that it could make 56 percent of new car sales electric and 13 percent plug-in hybrids by 2032.

The EPA declined to comment on the lawsuits. When it issued its rule, the agency pointed to reductions in planet-warming emissions and improvements to air quality that would come from the shift away from gas-powered cars.