In an age of rapid EV adoption, a group of Wyoming lawmakers seeks to preserve fossil fuel consumption.
The proposal was introduced to the state legislature on January 13, sponsored by state senator Jim Anderson and five other GOP lawmakers. The legislation argues that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles will create serious financial problems for the state. The lawmakers make specific reference to the importance of the fossil fuel industry in Wyoming, and how internal combustion vehicles have allowed for economic growth through interstate commerce. Language in the bill argues that the lengthy highways in the sparsely populated state combined with a lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure deems the vehicles entirely impractical.
“Phasing out the sale of new electric vehicles in Wyoming by 2035 will ensure the stability of Wyoming’s oil and gas industry and will help preserve the country’s critical minerals for vital purposes,” the proposal reads.
The bill states that residents and businesses in Wyoming would be warned against purchasing EVs ahead of the ban taking place. According to The Hill, there are currently fifteen states that have moved to ban internal combustion vehicles by that same 2035 deadline, including populous states like New York and California. The final clause of the bill actually requests that a copy of the document be sent to California Governor Gavin Newsome, who has been a staunch advocate for such a mandate in his state. A copy would also be sent to vice president Kamala Harris and house speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
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LUCAS BELL
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
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