Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has withdrawn his proposal to mandate future electric vehicle (EV) purchases after facing bipartisan pushback from lawmakers.
The proposal, unveiled in July, aimed to align Connecticut’s emissions standards with California’s, requiring all passenger vehicles to be electric by 2035.
Republican leaders and some Democrats expressed concerns about the capacity of the electric grid, cost, and negative impact on families. (Trending: Biden Shamefully Removes God From National Address)
CT Senate Republican Kevin Kelly wrote. “Common sense has prevailed,” in his press release.
“The Governor’s decision to withdraw the regulations is a reasoned approach to address the growing concerns raised by working and middle-class families,” continued Kelly.
“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,” declared Kelly.
“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,” added the lawmaker.
“More than 90% of our pollution comes from outside the control of Connecticut,” explained the Republican.
“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,” warned Kelly.
The decision to halt the proposal is seen as a setback for the EV industry and a blow to environmentalists.
The move has been praised by energy industry and right-leaning groups as a win for consumers, while environmentalists have criticized it as a setback for environmental progress.
Chris Herb, President of the CT Energy Marketers Association said, “This is a victory for consumers who would have paid a big price tag for the state’s efforts to ban gas-powered cars and trucks in the future.”
Adding, “However, the battle may not be over. It’s unclear what could happen next, but CEMA will continue to be vigilant in our opposition to this reckless policy. This is too much too fast, and we are not ready for an EV-only future.”
“This is a victory for Connecticut’s people,” wrote Carol Platt Liebau, the president of The Yankee Institute, “who have the right to choose what cars and trucks they will drive – especially when there’s been no showing these burdensome, expensive regulations would actually improve the environment.”
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