Manchin says new proposed EPA vehicle emission standards 'dangerous,' calls on Congress to overturn

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency's new vehicle emission standards are "dangerous" and called on Congress to overturn them.

"The EPA is lying to Americans with false claims about how their manipulation of the market to boost EVs will help American energy security," said Manchin, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. 

The EPA last week proposed new pollution rules that could require up to two-thirds of new cars sold in the U.S. by 2032 to be electric vehicles. 

"To meet these timelines will mean strengthening our reliance on minerals and technologies controlled by the Chinese," Manchin said. "This administration is taking steps that will only result in a more energy secure and powerful China.

"I don't believe that making progress on climate change should come at the expense of our national and energy security. I fully support Congress overturning these dangerous EPA regulations," he added.

Manchin's vote in favor of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act was key to moving the bill across the finish line late last year. The bill included billions in climate-related funding and tax incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, among other provisions.