WASHINGTON, DC, August 5, 2021 – Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), a national business group representing companies working to make the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable, released the following statement today in response to a new Executive Order from the White House, and newly proposed vehicle emissions standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
“The U.S. has a tremendous opportunity to grow the economy and jobs by taking the global lead on electric transportation to reach an EV goal of 100 percent of new cars and light trucks by 2035,” said Ryan Gallentine, a director of AEE’s electrified transportation policy work. “To get there we’ll likely need a more aggressive timeline for the first 50 percent than the one being presented today, which is why strong standards and investments from Congress will be critical moving forward.”
“Stricter emissions standards for the next few years should be looked at as the bare minimum that auto companies are expected to achieve in the short run, on the way to electrified transportation,” said Gallentine. “Congress and the White House can accelerate electric vehicle development by rewarding individual and fleet consumers with purchase incentives and investing in vehicle charging infrastructure. These efforts, in addition to supporting policies by states, will push the market forward to the point that these year-by-year minimum standards soon won’t matter anymore.”
“The auto industry has changed significantly in the past five years. New auto emissions standards should be easily met and exceeded as electric vehicles show themselves to be superior to conventional cars and trucks in cost, comfort, and performance,” added Gallentine. “In all things technology, America has always led the pack, never trailed behind. The same should be true of electrified transportation.”