Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vowed to overturn President Biden’s proposal to phase out gas-powered vehicles and prioritize electric vehicles. DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, made these remarks during a campaign event in New Hampshire. He argued that forcing Americans to buy electric vehicles would make the country more dependent on China, as many components of EVs are manufactured there.
DeSantis has been a vocal opponent of electric vehicles and has clashed with President Biden’s green energy agenda in the past. In June, he vetoed a bill that would have favored electric vehicles over traditional ones when it came to state vehicle purchases. He also refused federal funding from the Biden administration aimed at reducing carbon emissions through the promotion of electric-powered appliances.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed ambitious targets for automakers, aiming for 60% of new vehicle sales to be electric vehicles by 2030. California and other states are going even further, with plans to require 100% of new vehicle sales to be EVs by 2035. The auto industry has raised concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing these targets, as electric vehicles currently account for less than 6% of new vehicle sales.
During his campaign event, DeSantis also addressed his relationship with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. He acknowledged the need for the United States to reduce its reliance on China for rare-earth minerals used in EV batteries. DeSantis emphasized the importance of developing a China policy that addresses this issue.
While DeSantis acknowledged that some people may prefer electric vehicles, he argued against mandating their adoption and emphasized the potential problems associated with relying on the power grid to charge EVs. He cited the example of California’s power grid issues, which limited the ability of electric vehicle owners to charge their cars.
In summary, Governor DeSantis is strongly opposed to President Biden’s plan to prioritize electric vehicles over gas-powered ones. He argues that it would make the U.S. automotive industry more dependent on China and highlights the challenges associated with EV adoption, such as the reliability of the power grid.
Perspective: While Governor DeSantis raises valid concerns about the potential risks and challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles, it’s important to remember that embracing clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are critical for combating climate change. The shift towards electric vehicles is a key element of this transition. As with any major change, there will be obstacles to overcome, but addressing them and finding innovative solutions is essential for a sustainable future.
