Wyoming is taking the opposite tack as California and other states have advanced with a ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035.
To safeguard the state’s oil and gas economy, GOP legislators in the state last week submitted a bill pushing the government to prohibit the sale of new electric vehicles by 2035.
The law claims that since its creation, the gas-powered vehicle has made it possible for enterprises and industries in the state to conduct trade and move resources and goods more effectively across the nation.
Massive highway expanses in Wyoming make the widespread deployment of electric vehicles impractical due to a lack of infrastructure for charging them.
Electric vehicle adoption at the expense of gas-powered car use will have negative effects on Wyoming’s communities, the state’s economy, and the nation’s capacity to conduct business effectively.
The text also raises issues related to recycling and disposing of discarded electric batteries.
The penultimate phrase of the resolution, which instructs the secretary of state to submit a copy to California Governor Gavin Newsom, makes it apparent that Republicans concede it is symbolic and intended to make a political message.
GOP state Sen. Brian Boner stated, “One might even say tongue-in-cheek, but obviously it’s a very serious issue that deserves some public discussion. I’m interested in making sure that the solutions that some folks want to the so-called climate crisis are actually practical in real life. I just don’t appreciate when other states try to force technology that isn’t ready.”
The bill’s sponsor, state senator Jim Anderson, made it clear that he has no issues whatsoever with electric automobiles.
He does object to California’s prohibition on gasoline-powered automobiles, which more than a dozen other states have followed.
