Wyoming Lawmakers Propose Electric Car Ban

(StraightNews.org) — A group of lawmakers in Wyoming has proposed banning the sale of electric cars in the state by 2035. The proposal was put forward by Republican Senator Jim Anderson and its stated purpose was to protect the state’s gas and petroleum industry. Wyoming is the 8th largest crude oil producer in the United States. The industry employs more than 19,000 people.

The bill stated, “The proliferation of electric vehicles at the expense of gas-powered vehicles will have deleterious impacts on Wyoming’s communities and will be detrimental to Wyoming’s economy and the ability for the country to efficiently engage in commerce.”

Describing electric vehicles as a “misadventure”, the bill went on to claim that adding charging stations would require massive amounts of new power.

However, within 24 hours of its introduction, it was dropped.

Senator Anderson said the proposal was intended to make a point that not all states agree with the current trend toward electricity. It placed Wyoming at odds with the federal government, which aims to ensure that half of America’s vehicles are fueled by electricity by 2030. It also conflicts with the policy of other states, including New York and California, which have proposed banning gas-powered vehicles.

According to Pew Research in 2022, 67% of Americans support the provision of incentives to encourage the use of hybrid and electric cars. The support is split 84% to 46% for Democrats and Republicans respectively. Only 42% however said they would personally be willing to purchase such a vehicle, with 45% saying they would not. In any case, for many, the cost may be prohibitive. In August last year, the price of an electric car in the United States averaged out at $66,000, and most of those who already own one earn $150,000 on average. At present, only 0.04% of vehicles in Wyoming are electricity-fueled.

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