Having failed to pass the Green New Deal by democratic means through Congress, the Biden administration is now attempting to impose a green energy policy on Americans through federal agencies, and the EPA is at the vanguard of this effort.
But critics say the Biden administration doesn’t have the authority to do this. They believe they have the Constitution on their side, together with recent court decisions checking the power of unelected federal bureaucrats. They also expect their legal challenges will ultimately end up at the Supreme Court, setting new precedents that limit the power of the administrative state.
In a new article published in The Epoch Times, investigative reporter Kevin Stocklin explains how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to craft new emissions standards that will force automakers to curtail production of gas-powered cars, and will force electric utilities to switch from fossil fuel to wind and solar.
While the agency notes that it’s simply utilizing the power Congress allowed it to regulate emissions, some critics argue that the EPA actually creating a national energy policy, which exceeds the scope of its mandate, and which will drive up energy costs, make the electric grid unstable, and force Americans to buy EVs they don’t want.
O.H. Skinner, execute director of Alliance for Consumers, told The Epoch Times: “Rather than allow consumers to make choices, they’re just trying to force progressive lifestyle choices on everybody, no matter where they live, no matter how much money they make. It is very, very unpopular when you tell people they have to live life a certain way that doesn’t match how they want to live it, and I think even this administration recognizes that. So what they seem to be doing is demanding that manufacturers basically take away these choices. Their argument is, ‘We didn’t tell you you can’t buy a gas car, the manufacturers stopped making them.’”
As the battle continues, Stocklin joins us now to discuss this piece further, what the effects of new EPA regulations will likely be, how courts may view this issue, and what the future may hold when it comes to America’s transportation and energy industry.
Q&A:
- Why does the Biden administration, from vaccine and mask mandates to student loan forgiveness to climate change policies, keep getting challenged on the authority of federal agencies? How have the courts decided these cases to date?
- What is the “major questions” doctrine that was the basis of the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia vs EPA, and how will it affect the new EPA regulations?
- Do you believe the EPA is going too far when it comes to implementing energy solutions? Do you believe they have a case if it does go to the Supreme Court?
- Should Americans have a vote and a choice when it comes to energy solutions that affect them so deeply? Why doesn’t the Biden administration act in a more democratic fashion when it comes to implementing these policies?
- What does the closure of coal and gas plants, and the transition to wind and solar, mean for the stability of America’s electric grid?
- How will the push to transition to EVs affect carmakers? Is it a good bet for GM, Ford and others to shift their production lines to EVs?
- Speaking of the ESG industry, you produced a new documentary called The Shadow State, which discusses its impact on the world market. Tell us more about it, and how the “woke” state of mind with some businesses have such a strong effect for it.
- Where can people view The Shadow State? We understand there’s also a DVD release coming soon as well?
The Shadow State is available right now on Epoch TV. Those interested in pre-ordering the DVD for release can do so here.
- Where can we find your recent article about this subject on The Epoch Times, as well as other works you’ve written?
You can find my profile page here, with all my recently written articles, including a piece on what you’re not being told about the Electric Vehicle revolution.
About Kevin Stocklin:
Kevin Stocklin is a writer, film producer, and former investment banker. He wrote and produced We All Fall Down: The American Mortgage Crisis, a 2008 documentary on the collapse of the U.S. mortgage finance system.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
