Biden Vetoes Bill Overturning Emissions Standards

A congressional resolution preventing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing stricter truck emissions standards has been vetoed. 

In explanation, President Joe Biden stated June 14 that the resolution would result “in weaker emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines, which are significant sources of pollutants that threaten public health.” 

The veto was expected, with the White House saying as much in April when the Senate passed the joint resolution by the slimmest of margins: 50-49. It cleared the House in May on a 221-203 vote. 

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who introduced the resolution, fired back after the veto, calling it a “slap in the face to truckers” and saying she would continue to work with her colleagues to push back against “these devastating government mandates.” 

The proposed standards, announced April 12, are the third phase of the EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan, which takes effect with model year 2027.     

Specifically, the new rules target nitrogen oxides, along with carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. They also require manufacturers to increase the emissions-related warranty periods for heavy-duty vehicles.