State Rep. Doyle Heffley | Pennsylvania 122nd Legislative District
State Rep. Doyle Heffley | Pennsylvania 122nd Legislative District
The recent rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding emissions standards for auto manufacturers has sparked significant debate. The regulation mandates stricter emissions controls, which are expected to shift production toward more electric vehicles and away from traditional gasoline-powered cars. This move is seen as an expansion of executive branch power, according to critics.
Representative Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) expressed concerns about this rule, stating it represents a "significant increase in the power of the executive branch" and "limits consumer choice." Heffley highlighted that such regulatory actions could place additional burdens on national infrastructure already under strain.
In response to the EPA's decision, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation aiming to overturn this rule with a bipartisan vote of 215-191. Efforts are also underway within the judicial system to challenge the mandate.
Heffley warned that if these legislative and judicial efforts fail, it could set a precedent where "government bureaucrats – who are not elected and not held accountable to the electorate – will have the ability to essentially make law." This situation would conflict with what he believes were the intentions of America's founding fathers regarding checks and balances among government branches.
The regulation is also criticized for its potential impact on consumers. The mandate could lead to increased costs for both consumers and industry players due to higher operating expenses associated with electric vehicles (EVs). Infrastructure challenges, such as insufficient charging stations, further complicate matters. According to projections cited by Heffley, 56% of new vehicles must be electric by 2032 to comply with this rule—an increase that does not currently align with market demand since EVs only account for 7% of new vehicle sales today.
Representative Heffley called on Congress to reconsider this policy: "I urge our legislative branch to exercise its authority and right-size this misguided policy."
Contact information for Representative Doyle Heffley's office was provided in his statement: Huntre Keip at 717.772.9837 or hkeip@pahousegop.com.
Alerts Sign-up