In an effort to preserve the oil and gas industries in Wyoming, a group of Republican legislators wants to phase out the sales of electric cars by 2035 in the state. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2023, by 6 GOP lawmakers and sponsored by Senator Jim Anderson.
Why the ban on New Electric Cars is Being Proposed
- “Oil and gas production has long been one of Wyoming’s proud and valued industries.”
- The oil and gas industries need preservation because they have provided jobs and contributed to the revenues of the state
- The highway systems in Wyoming don’t support the need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making electrical cars impractical
- The expansion of charging stations will require more power generation
- Phasing out new sales of electric vehicles by 2035 will “ensure the stability of Wyoming’s oil and gas industry.”
The bill isn’t proposing current electric vehicles registered in the state be banned, but rather phasing out new sales by 2035. However, this raises questions as to why there is a push to phase out new sales of electric vehicles when they seem more environmentally friendly.
As of 2020, the oil and gas industry has accounted for 42 percent of global emissions. There are many misconceptions about electric vehicles, which may also be deterring lawmakers and citizens.
Some Myth-Busted Facts about Electric Vehicles
As stated on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website:
- FACT: Electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when the electricity when charging is taken into consideration
- FACT: Greenhouse gasses associated with electric vehicles are typically lower than an average gas-powered vehicles
- FACT: Electric vehicles are sufficient for a typical day’s use in the U.S.
Meanwhile, more than a dozen states are considering that all new cars, SUVs, and pickups be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2035. In the states considering this is following in California’s footsteps to phase out gas-powered vehicles.