Washington. D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor today in support of S.J. Res. 11, a resolution to disapprove of the EPA’s final rule, “Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards.”

AMERICA CAN'T AFFORD BIDEN’S HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK STANDARD

“I rise in support of S.J. Res. 11.

“The resolution reverses EPA’s extreme emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks.

“President Biden is shamelessly pushing electrification of the entire transportation sector without regard for the significant environmental, economic, and national security risks it will cause.

“We should not allow the Biden administration to continue implementing this plan without additional congressional guidance.

“Heavy-duty trucks are essential to the transport of agricultural products and consumer goods to people across the country.

“In short, availability of trucking is directly tied to our standard of living, food security, and ability to afford everyday life.

“EPA’s heavy duty truck rule applies to trucks of all sizes from the Ford F-250 to semi-trucks.

“EPA’s own estimates say this could cost more than $8,000 per semi-truck to meet their standards.

“The costs will be passed on directly to Americans, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck.

“Imagine someone who is already being forced to make tough choices for their family at the grocery store, the gas pump, the pharmacy.

“Virtually every product they’re buying—as well as the ones they can no longer afford—is transported by truck at some point.

“With the EPA’s rule, they will be paying and sacrificing even more—for food, clothing, fixing their homes, and trying to provide for their families.

“EPA’s regulatory effort on heavy-duty trucks would impose expensive regulations, increase costs for trucking companies—many of which are small businesses, and ultimately fail to significantly reduce emissions.

“The American people cannot afford the financial burdens.

“It is our responsibility as Members of Congress, the elected representatives of the People, to address agency overreach, especially when it would directly and negatively impact the lives of Americans and drive inflation higher.

“I would like to thank Senator Fischer and Representative Nehls for leading on the Senate and House resolutions on this important issue.

“I urge my colleagues to support S.J. Res. 11.”