Youngkin’s autocratic decision moves Virginia backwards on the transition to EV’s
See the other article in this package: Not outsourcing Virginia’s lawmaking to California bureaucrats is a good thing.
Governor Youngkin’s reckless attempt to unilaterally undo Virginia’s Clean Cars law is an autocratic and unlawful action that will hurt everyday Virginians and set our state back.
The General Assembly and Governor Ralph Northam adopted Virginia’s Clean Car Law in 2021 at the request of Virginia automobile dealerships who lacked access to a consistent supply of affordable electric vehicles (EV’s). Fifteen other states had already joined a multi-state compact which caused manufacturers to send most electric vehicles to other states so they could meet sales quotas. One purpose of the law was to provide Virginia consumers with more electric vehicle choices at lower prices so that they could enjoy the same choices and prices as other states.
Electric vehicles are in demand because of their superior performance. Electric vehicles have virtually zero maintenance, one-third the fuel cost and have superior acceleration and performance. For example, the Ford F-150 Lighting has 580 horsepower, 775 pound-feet of torque, can go 0-60 in 4.0 seconds, can run 13 circular saws at once, power an average home for five days, and has standard built-in beer cooler in the front of each vehicle. Each new purchase is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
Southwest Virginia knows first-hand what climate change means as increased rainfall continues to set new flood records each year. Virginia’s farmers and foresters are coping with inconsistent rainfall and unpredictable weather. EV’s help reduce carbon emissions to slow the effects of climate change.
Transportation is now the #1 carbon emitting sector of the economy. Electric cars are the best means to reduce carbon emissions from transportation without having to make substantial lifestyle changes and also allow us to keep Virginia money in Virginia as we just Virginia-generated electricity instead of oil from Saudi Arabia to fuel our drive.
Instead of choosing to lead and focus on expanding charging infrastructure in our rural areas, Governor Youngkin has chosen to play political games. The Constitution of Virginia does not allow a Governor to unilaterally declare a law invalid if he does not like it. Our Governor must follow the law just like every other Virginian.
Virginia businesses count on our laws being honored after elections so that they can make multi-million dollar decisions based on predictable rules. Governor Youngkin’s repeated disregard for the rule of law creates an unstable and uncertain climate for businesses in Virginia, which will cause Virginia to continue lose out on economic opportunities like the missed multi-billion dollar battery plant that he chased away from Pittsylvania County.
Electric vehicles are the future of the automobile industry. Southwest Virginia has firsthand experience with these opportunities since Volvo has located its electric truck manufacturing plant in Pulaski. Other manufacturing opportunities will continue to arise due to federal requirements that a certain percent of labor in the manufacturing of electric vehicles must occur in America for cars to qualify for federal tax credits. Many manufacturers, such as Ford, General Motors, Volvo, and Volkswagen, are already planning to phase out new gas-powered vehicles in the near future.
Some falsely argue that the government is telling people they cannot purchase gas vehicles. The compact does not prohibit the sale of new gas combustion engines until 2035 — eleven years and three governors from now. Given that new automotive technology typically takes seventeen years to percolate through the private automotive fleet, there will be a gas-powered vehicles on Virginia’s highways well into this century.
The General Assembly of Virginia stands ready to work with Governor Youngkin to help make Virginia’s transition to EV’s as easy and affordable as possible. Getting it done will require collaboration, not brinksmanship. Virginians deserve better.
Scott Surovell is the Senate Majority Leader. He is a Democrat from Fairfax County.
