President Joe Biden has vetoed a Republican-backed bill, SJ Res. 11, aimed at rolling back 2022 EPA rule that set stringent vehicle emission standards to reduce air pollution from models set to take effect in 2027. The final rule sets new emission standards that cover a wider range of heavy-duty engine operating conditions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite Senate approval, a veto override would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers, which is not expected to happen.
Republicans claim the emissions rule is overly burdensome and will affect the trucking industry, with Democrats insisting the rule is required to limit pollution and improve air quality. Speaking after the veto announcement, White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said “while millions of Americans were taking shelter to escape unhealthy wildfire smoke made worse by climate change, congressional Republicans were pushing a bill to repeal the president’s efforts to make our air cleaner and safer.” Biden tweeted a picture of him vetoing the bill from the Oval Office.
In his statement, the President wrote that the EPA rule “cuts pollution, boosts public health, and advances environmental justice in communities across the country,” and “It will prevent hundreds, if not thousands, of premature deaths; thousands of childhood asthma cases; and millions of missed school days every year.” This veto marks the sixth of Biden’s presidency. Previously, he also vetoed legislation aimed at overturning his student loan forgiveness programme, a bill to block a DC justice reform bill, a bill rescinding a retirement investment rule, a resolution that would have blocked temporary suspension of tariffs on solar panel imports, and a measure rescinding the administration’s landmark water rule.
Biden’s pledge to address climate change was one of his central campaign promises. His administration has been particularly active in this area, taking a series of measures such as joining the Paris Climate Accord, rolling back Trump administration environmental regulations and increasing funding for climate research.
The transportation sector is responsible for around a quarter of US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with light-duty vehicles accounting for the majority of those, according to the EPA. Therefore, the President’s plan to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission vehicles could play a significant role in reducing the US GHG emissions.
In conclusion, the President’s veto sends a clear message that his administration is committed to reducing air pollution and improving public health. Through this action, President Biden has demonstrated his willingness to protect the environment and put public health first.
Sources:
1. CNN: President Biden vetoes Republican push to overturn stricter EPA truck emissions rule
2. The New York Times: What is the infrastructure bill and what’s in it?
3. EPA: Heavy Duty Trucks and Vehicles
4. Climate Change News: Biden starts to deliver on sweeping environmental promises
5. Reuters: Biden’s massive climate plan aims to remake the economy. It faces big hurdles
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-06-15 03:36:00
