Arizona GOP Takes a Stand Against Biden-Harris EPA Directive

By Daniel Stefanski |

Two prominent Arizona Republicans, Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma, are taking a stand against what they perceive as excessive regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding energy policies. Their latest action involves joining a coalition in an amicus brief to challenge the EPA’s “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3” in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, stemming from a case titled Nebraska v. Environmental Protection Agency.

The newly enacted standards stipulate that by 2032, nearly 70% of all new vehicles and 25% of new heavy-duty vehicles, including semitrucks, must be electric. This mandate has raised concerns among Arizona lawmakers and residents alike, with claims that it could significantly increase costs for consumers. A press release from the State Senate Republican Caucus highlighted that the current charging infrastructure and power grid capacity may not support such a drastic transition.

In the brief, the coalition argues that the EPA lacks statutory authority to mandate electric vehicles, asserting that the agency’s rules are arbitrary and disregard the Major Questions Doctrine. Petersen criticized the Biden Administration, stating, “The EPA egregiously overstepped its authority with these arbitrary rules… The negative impact of forcing industries that every American consumer depends on, to make unreasonable and unattainable changes, will be detrimental to our economy.”

Senator Frank Carroll, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the burden such policies would place on working-class citizens and businesses. He remarked, “The last thing we need is for this Administration to prioritize expensive and scientifically baseless policies… The average working-class citizen or trucking business will cripple under these mandates.”

The coalition’s brief emphasizes that the EPA cannot reshape the energy and transportation sectors without Congressional approval. It raises critical points regarding job losses, industry restructuring, and the implications for national energy independence. “If the federal government is going to require that major shift, then a Congress accountable to the American public must say so,” the brief states.

Over recent years, Petersen and Toma have actively defended state and federal laws against the actions of the Democratic administration. Their commitment to challenging the Biden Administration’s environmental and energy policies indicates a continued pushback against regulations perceived as harmful to Arizona’s economy.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.