Sen. Deb Fischer’s bill to overturn an EPA regulation on the emissions of heavy-duty vehicles, such as semi-trucks, is headed to President Biden’s desk after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation Tuesday, 221-203.
The rule’s new standards cover nitrogen oxides and other air pollutants including particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. The rule would also change requirements regarding emission controls and emission-related warranties.
The EPA estimated the technology required to meet the standards would cost $2,568-$8,304 per vehicle. The American Truck Dealers Association estimates a likely $42,000 increase per truck. In total, the EPA projects the associated costs of this new regulation on the country could reach $55 billion over the life of the program, Fischer said.
Fischer predicted the regulation would devastate the trucking industry, raise costs for consumers, and incentivize older, less efficient trucks to stay on the road because they would not have to meet the standards under a “grandfather” clause.
Rep Troy Nehls of Texas led the legislation in the House.
“Raising costs and driving truckers out of business isn’t just bad for the transportation sector — it would be devastating for an economy still reeling from the impacts of inflation,” Fischer said. “I encourage President Biden to reevaluate his misguided veto threat and sign this bipartisan bill into law.
Last month, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 50-49. All 49 Republican senators voted in favor, in addition to Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia who often votes differently than other democrats.
Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, led the introduction of the legislation in February, her office said.
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