California s War on Gas Vehicles Threatens Entire U.S. Economy – AMAC – The Association of Mature American Citizens

Conservatives and auto industry leaders have been quick to point out, however, that EVs are hardly the environmentally friendly, zero emission solution that California Democrats and the rest of the liberal establishment have billed them as. Though the vehicles themselves produce zero emissions, they still must be charged using electricity from power generating stations. Even in California, 65% of that electricity is produced using nonrenewable sources. More electric cars means more burning of coal, oil, and natural gas at those power plants. Additionally, EV batteries, which last about 15 years, mostly end up in landfills, where they release dangerous toxins into the environment (and that s not even to mention the serious environmental and human rights concerns associated with lithium and cobalt mining for EV battery manufacturing).

There are also major doubts about whether or not California s energy grid will even be able to handle the increase in demand brought on by such a large increase in the number of EVs on the road in such a short time. According to one analysis from the University of Texas, if every vehicle in California were to go electric, the state would need to produce 47% more electricity than it does today. That s likely unwelcome news for Californians who are already facing rolling blackouts thanks to the state s overreliance on renewable energy.

Banning gas cars in California is also likely to have ripple effects throughout the rest of the U.S. economy. A number of other Democrat-led states like New York and Oregon have, for instance, indicated that they will follow California s lead, leaving automakers in a difficult position. Even Virginia has passed legislation that forces it to adhere to California regulations. California alone represents a full 10% of the overall U.S. car market, meaning that its laws can and have shaped the direction of the market for the entire country. The problems that this decision poses for California are thus likely to be exported to other states, whether they agree with the policy or not.

With fewer gas cars on the road, many gas stations will likely go out of business, making it more difficult for those with gas cars to get around. In addition to posing a severe burden on people in rural parts of the state, this will also discourage tourism from other states, an industry that contributes

via amac.us

Some people are going to make a ton of money off this regulation. And why isn’t this burst of enlightenment expressed as legislation rather than bureaucratic ukase? Shouldn’t such a major change in policy be the outcome of the solons in Sacramento? Not that that would make a difference in this case, but I’m sure you see my point.