California will ban sales of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. California had to require that 12 percent in new car sales be made by hydrogen and batteries. They aim to achieve 35 percent in 2026. They aim to reach 68 percent by 2030. In 2035, 100% of the power will come from hydrogen or batteries.
California, a Democratic-run state is banning gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The average cost of an electric vehicle is around $67,000, & the state’s electric grid already can’t keep the lights on. This is a major energy catastrophe. It’s no wonder that Californians are leaving! https://t.co/09svGLF3GP
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) August 25, 2022
John Bozzella was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Allicance for Automative Innovation.
“Whether or not these requirements are realistic or achievable is directly linked to external factors like inflation, charging and fuel infrastructure, supply chains, labor, critical mineral availability and pricing, and the ongoing semiconductor shortage … These are complex, intertwined and global issues.”
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents major automakers, so Bozzella’s statement should be taken seriously, as he notes that the ban on gas-powered vehicles and mandating people to drive electric vehicles would be “extremely challenging” for the automakers to meet the demands.
According to the Independent Women’s Forum, banning gas-powered cars is likely unconstitutional. Mandy Gunasekara states:
“First, it could violate the Commerce Clause as it creates unreasonable burdens on interstate commerce, i.e. The manufacture or sale of automobiles. The Supreme Court has long held that the Commerce Clause has been a “self-executing limitation” on the power of States to enact laws which restrict interstate commerce. Second, under the Clean Air Act, California is required to receive a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in order to set its own, more stringent, emissions standards.”
Gunasekara stated that it is impossible to prohibit the practice. She stated:
“California has pushed electric vehicles for decades through a variety of tax breaks and subsidies, only 12.5% of drivers own an electric vehicle. While this percentage is higher than in other states, 78% EV owners also have another gas-powered vehicle. Despite the advancements made in EV technology it is still a fact that recharging batteries can take hours and filling up gasoline tanks only minutes. This leads to consumers continuing to choose gas-powered cars. The average price of an EV is $54,000. Most Americans can’t afford luxury prices. This is especially the case with growing inflation.”
Some people don’t want to own an electric car. Others might rather drive a gas-powered vehicle or a hybrid. That should the individual’s choice to make.
Gunasekara explained that the ban will do very little to protect the environment.
“While marketed as ‘zero emissions,’ electric vehicles have a series of environmental tradeoffs. Their batteries require 10 times more minerals than those powered by gas engines. Additionally, the majority of this minerals comes from Africa’s Chinese-controlled mines that ignore environmental protections. They also use child or forced labor. Further, more expensive cars mean Americans drive older vehicles longer. This trend can undercut the reach and effectiveness of safety and efficiency improvements that come with newer models.”
“Finally, this push towards electric vehicles will require more energy on the grids. California has already struggled to meet current demand and a ban on gas-powered vehicles will only make their grid problems worse.”
Californians have the right to travel to Nevada and buy any car they want, as well as drive back home. This ban on the sale of gas-powered vehicles seems unconstitutional and flawed.
This should go without saying, but the local, state, and federal governments should not tell the American people what they can and can’t drive. Instead of forcing their wants on Californians, they should negotiate with China, the world’s biggest carbon polluter.
About Post Author
You may also like
-
From Science to Storytelling: How Sara Winokur Brings Forensic Genetics to Life in Ivory Bones
-
What is an Electronic Flight Certificate? A Clear Explanation
-
Faith and Tattoos: Exploring the Intersection of Belief and Body Art
-
Top 10 Best Financial Management Apps for 2025: Streamline Your Finances with These Top-Rated Apps
-
Promoting Higher Education in Kentucky