When I first read this, I couldn’t believe it. I thought to myself, “This must be a joke, right?” Unfortunately, it appears that the sponsors of this proposed bill are quite serious about this absurdity. The proposal to phase out the sale of new electric vehicles in Wyoming by 2035 is a major setback in the fight against climate change and a step in the wrong direction towards a sustainable future. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero emissions and significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. While it may be argued that the infrastructure for electric vehicles is currently lacking in Wyoming, this is not a valid reason to phase out EVs. The state can incentivize and invest in the growth of the charging infrastructure, making EVs more accessible for residents.
Another argument that is often used to justify phasing out EVs is the limited domestic supply of critical minerals used in EV batteries, and the lack of a safe and responsible way to dispose of these minerals. However, this is not a valid reason to phase out EVs, but rather a call to invest in the recycling and safe disposal of these materials.
EVs not only benefit the environment but also the economy by creating jobs in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of EVs, charging stations and related infrastructure. They also reduce dependence on oil, which can be a volatile commodity with price fluctuations that can impact local economies. It seems that the influence of oil and natural gas lobbyists was much stronger than the common sense of legislators in this case.
