Wyoming resolution to ban the sale of new EVs by 2035 DOA
A group of Republican lawmakers in the Wyoming state legislature has put forward a proposal that would see a ban on sales of new electric cars in the state by 2035, but the measure was shot down after a lively debate. The proposal comes in stark opposition to the number of similar bans on the sale of internal-combustion-powered vehicles taking place here in the United States and abroad.
Reasons for Legislation
The proposal was introduced to the state legislature on January 13, sponsored by state senator Jim Anderson and five other GOP lawmakers. The legislation argues that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles will create serious financial problems for the state. The lawmakers make specific reference to the importance of the fossil fuel industry in Wyoming, and how internal combustion vehicles have allowed for economic growth through interstate commerce. The text pointed out several issues with electric cars: it noted that EVs aren't suited to Wyoming's roads due to the state's vastness and the lack of charging infrastructure, and it added that improving the infrastructure will "require massive amounts of new power generation to sustain the misadventure of electric vehicles.
“Phasing out the sale of new electric vehicles in Wyoming by 2035 will ensure the stability of Wyoming's oil and gas industry and will help preserve the country's critical minerals for vital purposes,” the proposal reads.
Content
The bill states that residents and businesses in Wyoming would be warned against purchasing EVs ahead of the ban taking place. According to The Hill, there are currently fifteen states that have moved to ban internal combustion vehicles by that same 2035 deadline, including populous states like New York and California. One lawmaker argued that Wyoming has a large supply of lithium and rare-earth metals and can benefit from a shift to EVs, while another ran in the opposite direction and spoke in favor of closing certain roads to electric vehicles in the winter to ensure that motorists don't end up stranded after running out of electricity. The final clause of the bill requests that a copy of the document be sent to California Governor Gavin Newsome, who has been a staunch advocate for such a mandate in his state. A copy would also be sent to vice president Kamala Harris and house speaker Kevin McCarthy.
