Is Biden’s Gas-Powered Vehicle Ban a Threat to the Economy?

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Here’s the Scoop

In the final days of August 2022, California made a monumental announcement: by 2035, the state would ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles in favor of an all-electric future. This bold plan has sparked significant debate regarding its impact on the state’s economy and infrastructure.

The immediate concern revolves around the high cost of electric vehicles (EVs) and the sourcing of materials needed for their batteries. Yet, these concerns were largely overshadowed by a more urgent crisis: just days after the announcement, California experienced a severe power grid failure.

The state declared a level-one power emergency, imposing a “Flex Alert” that urged residents to conserve power by shutting off appliances during peak hours. This episode starkly highlighted the fragility of California’s power grid and raised questions about its ability to support millions of new EVs. Critics argue that without a reliable power grid, the ambitious EV mandate is impractical.

However, Governor Gavin Newsom and local media have shown no signs of rethinking the plan. Despite the grid collapse, Newsom reaffirmed his commitment to renewable energy and the EV mandate, signaling no intention to backtrack.

This unwavering stance has now influenced other states and the Biden administration to adopt similar measures. States like Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto California’s “Advanced Clean Cars II rule,” which aims to phase out gas-powered cars gradually by 2035.

Moreover, the federal government has quietly introduced new emissions standards through the EPA, which effectively act as a ban on many gas vehicles without direct legislative approval. By 2032, these standards require car manufacturers to reduce emissions by about 50%, necessitating that up to 56% of new vehicles be EVs and 13% be plug-in hybrids. This regulatory approach bypasses voters, imposing drastic changes without popular consent.

Industry experts like Marlo Lewis from the Competitive Enterprise Institute warn that these rules are unfeasible under current technological and economic conditions. Even leading hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius would not meet the new requirements, compelling manufacturers to pivot rapidly towards EV production.

This regulatory overreach extends to the trucking industry as well, threatening to disrupt the nation’s economy further. While mainstream media touts benefits like reduced smog, the broader implications are troubling. Higher costs for consumers, increased reliance on foreign battery materials, and strain on an already unreliable power grid are just some of the issues at hand.

Additionally, the perceived environmental benefits of EVs are not as clear-cut as advocates claim. For instance, EVs charged on coal-heavy grids can produce more emissions than efficient gas-powered hybrids. The environmental impact of EV manufacturing also complicates the narrative of zero-emission vehicles.

Ultimately, this push for electric vehicles and renewable energy appears to be driven less by environmental science and more by a broader ideological agenda. The Biden administration’s endorsement of these policies, despite their questionable efficacy and constitutional validity, underscores a troubling trend of expanding government control at the expense of individual freedoms.

As voters, it is crucial to scrutinize these developments and advocate for policies that balance environmental goals with economic and personal freedoms.

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