A new proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expected to be released soon, could dramatically change how the U.S. handles climate-related regulations. According to the New York Times, the draft would cancel a 2009 decision that labeled carbon dioxide and methane emissions as dangerous to public health.
If this plan moves forward and becomes law, it could weaken efforts to reduce pollution from cars, trucks, and industrial sources. It would remove the EPA’s authority to limit tailpipe emissions, a major tool in pushing automakers toward electric vehicles (EVs).
This comes at a time when other EV incentives are already being reduced. For example, fines for missing fuel economy targets have mostly been removed, and many federal rebates for EV buyers are no longer available. Without these incentives or rules, carmakers may slow their shift toward electric vehicles and return focus to traditional gas-powered models.