The Biden administration is set to announce new automobile emissions standards that will relax proposed limits for three years before eventually reaching the strict standards initially proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The changes come as sales of zero-tailpipe emissions electric vehicles have begun to slow, leading the auto industry to object to the EPA's preferred standards unveiled last April.

The EPA's preferred alternative suggested that the industry could meet the limits if 67% of new vehicle sales are electric by 2032. However, during the public comment period, the auto industry argued that these benchmarks were unworkable due to concerns about cost, range, and a lack of publicly available charging stations. As a result, the Biden EPA is expected to choose an alternative that slows implementation from 2027 through 2029 but ramps up to reach the preferred standards from 2030 to 2032.

The changes are aimed at addressing industry opposition to the accelerated ramp-up of electric vehicles and public reluctance to fully embrace the new technology. There is also a concern about potential legal challenges before conservative courts, including the Supreme Court, which has limited the EPA's authority in recent years.

President Biden has made fighting climate change a priority and is seeking to slash carbon dioxide emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles, the largest single source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The United Auto Workers union, which has endorsed Biden, supports the transition to electric vehicles but wants to ensure that jobs are preserved and workers are paid top wages.

Environmental groups have expressed optimism about the new EPA plan, with expectations that it will significantly cut carbon emissions from cars and light-duty trucks. The rule is projected to prevent more than 70 billion tons of carbon emissions between 2027 and 2055.

While some experts believe the new standards will encourage the auto industry to invest in EVs and zero-emission vehicles, others, like Dan Becker from the Center for Biological Diversity, fear loopholes that could allow the industry to continue selling gas-powered vehicles. Becker also expressed concerns about the potential for the standards to be undone if a future president, such as Donald Trump, is elected.

Overall, the new clean-car standards are seen as a step towards achieving cleaner air, a safer climate, cost savings for families, and new jobs in U.S. manufacturing. However, the debate over the balance between environmental goals and industry concerns continues as the Biden administration prepares to announce the new standards.