Wyoming Wants to Ban Electric Cars

Managed by the Republican Party, this American state relies heavily on gas and oil extraction and views the rise of electric vehicles with suspicion.

It is interesting to see how different countries around the world respond to the rise of electric cars. While Europe aims for a complete ban on combustion engine vehicles by 2035 (with some adjustments), and is not entirely sure it can meet the population’s charging needs by that deadline, others see this development very unfavorably.

In the United States, the debate is passionate, and there are many arguments for and against electric vehicles. The American continent is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, but the automotive industry is not the only concern (as in Europe, for example). American voters, however, see it as an additional threat to their industry, especially since manufacturing an electric car requires fewer mechanical parts, less maintenance, and consequently less labor.

And then, some states like Wyoming are heavily dependent on oil and gas, as many deposits and drills are located there. The increase in electric vehicle sales will therefore mechanically reduce the demand for fossil fuels and also the number of jobs. American voters also do not believe that the electric industry will create enough “jobs” to compensate.

American states not on the same wavelength

In this context, to flatter both its voters and the oil and gas lobby, a Republican bill supported by Senator Brian Boner will be considered, aiming to outright ban the sale of new electric vehicles in 2035. “I simply do not appreciate other states trying to impose a technology that is not ready,” he explains. The bill also states that “the proliferation of electric vehicles at the expense of gasoline-powered vehicles will have harmful effects on Wyoming communities and will harm Wyoming’s economy and the country’s ability to engage effectively in commerce.”

Conversely, fifteen other states, including California and New York, have decided to ban the sales of combustion engine models.

The debate promises to be lively!

See also: Electric SUV: Ford teases a new model