Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT) is pulling back on his plan to mandate electric vehicles (EVs) after receiving bipartisan pushback.
“Common sense has prevailed,” said Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly in a statement. “The Governor’s decision to withdraw the regulations is a reasoned approach to address the growing concerns raised by working and middle class families. Adopting California emission standards which ban the sale of gas-powered cars is a substantial policy shift which must be decided by the General Assembly.
“There are too many questions regarding the capacity of our electric grid, the cost and location of grid improvements, and the negative impact on urban, rural and working poor families. More than 90% of our pollution comes from outside the control of Connecticut. We need a national – and international – approach to improve our air quality. A state-by-state strategy will only prolong the attainment of cleaner air.”
Connecticut State Senator John Kissel (R) noted that something “so life-changing–something that will take our choice away–needs to be decided by the full state legislature.”
The initial carbon reduction plan was announced in July.
At the time, Governor Lamont stated, “Connecticut and our neighboring states are taking decisive action to meet our climate pollution reduction targets. Cars and trucks represent the largest air pollution sector in our state and these regulations are moving in coordination with commitments made by vehicle manufacturers to go all in on electrification.”
The withdrawal comes as thousands of car dealership owners across the United States signed an open letter to the Biden administration opposing the push for electric vehicles (EVs).
“With each passing day, it becomes more apparent that this attempted electric vehicle mandate is unrealistic based on current and forecasted customer demand. Already, electric vehicles are stacking up on our lots which is our best indicator of customer demand in the marketplace,” auto dealers wrote.
“Mr. President, it is time to tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate. Allow time for the battery technology to advance. Allow time to make BEVs more affordable. Allow time to develop domestic sources for the minerals to make batteries. Allow time for the charging infrastructure to be built and prove reliable. And most of all, allow time for the American consumer to get comfortable with the technology and make the choice to buy an electric vehicle.”
