Oil Giants Challenge Biden’s Regulations

US oil majors, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron, are taking legal action against new EPA regulations aimed at increasing electric vehicle production.

Share:

Action en justice régulations EPA.

The American Petroleum Institute (API), the U.S. oil industry’s largest association, has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The action is aimed at challenging the new exhaust emission regulations introduced last March, which require automakers to increase production of electric vehicles (EVs). According to forecasts by the Biden administration, up to 56% of car sales will be electric between 2030 and 2032. The USA has also legislated against imports of Chinese electric vehicles.

Reactions and implications

API argues that theEPA has exceeded its legislative authority by imposing regulations that would eliminate most new gasoline cars and traditional hybrids from the U.S. market in less than ten years. Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel, said, “We are acting to protect American consumers, manufacturing workers and our nation’s hard-won energy security from this intrusive government mandate.”

Coalitions and Support

The complaint was filed with the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The EPA declined to comment due to its non-disclosure policy on pending litigation. Alongside API, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) have joined as co-petitioners. These farming groups, which rely on gasoline-powered cars to support the corn-ethanol industry, point out that electric vehicles don’t offer the same proven benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Political context

In April, Republican attorneys general from 25 states also sued the EPA to block these same regulations. The new rules are among the most significant environmental measures implemented under the presidency of Joe Biden, who has made the fight against climate change a cornerstone of his mandate. However, this initiative has complicated relations with a key ally, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which remains reluctant to make the transition to electric vehicles.
These developments demonstrate the growing tensions between the administration’s ambitious climate goals and traditional industrial and agricultural interests. The outcome of this legal battle could have major repercussions on the future of the automotive market and the United States’ energy strategy.

  • Populaires ​
TotalEnergies sells 50% of its renewable assets in Portugal for €178.5mn
Envision inaugurates the world’s largest green ammonia plant in China
EDF postpones restart of Flamanville EPR to August 13
Ardian completes Akuo takeover and installs Bruno Bensasson at the helm
Strong Rise in Solar Power Reduces Summer Demand for Natural Gas
Latin America’s six largest economies accelerate transition to renewables
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Peru significantly increase renewable electricity production, reaching nearly 70% of the regional electricity mix, according to a recent Wood Mackenzie study on Latin America's energy sector.
Canada funds 13 Indigenous energy projects with $40mn investment
The Canadian government announces an investment of more than $40mn to fund 13 energy projects led by Indigenous communities across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and increase local renewable energy use.
Germany extends electricity price aid to 2,200 companies
The German Ministry of Economy plans to significantly expand aid aimed at reducing industrial electricity costs, increasing eligible companies from 350 to 2,200, at an estimated cost of €4bn ($4.7bn).
Czech Republic hit by massive power outage disrupting the economy
A major electricity blackout paralyzed large parts of the Czech Republic, interrupting transport and essential networks, raising immediate economic concerns, and highlighting the vulnerability of energy infrastructures to unforeseen technical incidents.
France anticipates significant slowdown in emission reductions starting in 2025
French greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a global slowdown in reductions forecast for the full year, according to Citepa, an independent organisation responsible for national monitoring.
U.S. Senate Approves Accelerated End to Renewable Energy Tax Credits
The Republican budget bill passed by the U.S. Senate accelerates the phase-out of tax credits for renewable energies, favoring fossil fuels and raising economic concerns among solar and wind industry professionals.
Brazil: renewable energy curtailment to jump by 300% by 2035
Rapid growth in solar and wind capacities will lead to a significant rise in electricity curtailment in Brazil, as existing transmission infrastructure remains inadequate to handle this massive influx of energy, according to a recent study by consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.
South Korea reduces its dependence on fossil fuels below 50%
In April 2025, fossil fuels represented 49.5% of South Korea's electricity mix, dropping below the symbolic threshold of 50% for the first time, primarily due to a historic decline in coal-generated electricity production.
US Senate adopts tax neutrality for advanced biofuels
The US Senate Finance Committee modifies the '45Z' tax credit to standardize the tax treatment of renewable fuels, thereby encouraging advanced biofuel production starting October 2025.
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING