Summary
– Rural Montanans face unique challenges such as internet connectivity, healthcare access, and long distances to basic services
– EPA rule mandating two-thirds of vehicles to be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2032 ignores needs of rural communities and agriculture industry
– Transition to electric vehicles is unrealistic and impractical for rural regions like Montana’s farming communities
– Lack of electric charging stations and grid capacity in rural areas would make it difficult for farmers to travel long distances and transport crops
– Federal government overreach with this mandate could disrupt supply chains and lead to price increases, lawmakers need to consider the realities of rural communities
Article
Terry Murphy, a Montana farmer and former state Senator, highlights the challenges faced by rural Montanans in accessing basic needs and services such as internet connectivity, healthcare, and transportation. Many rely heavily on their vehicles to travel long distances to gas stations or grocery stores. However, the recent EPA rule mandating that two-thirds of vehicles sold by U.S. automakers be electric battery powered or plug-in hybrid by 2032 poses a significant threat to rural communities and the agriculture industry in Montana.
Murphy argues that while electric vehicles may suit the preferences of urban residents, they are impractical for those living in rural areas, particularly farmers who require vehicles with efficient refueling capabilities for long-distance travel. The lack of electric charging stations and electric grid capacity in Montana makes it unrealistic for farmers to switch to battery electric vehicles. This mandate, if enforced, would create a divide between urban and rural communities, jeopardizing essential supply chains and causing price increases due to disruptions in crop transportation.
As someone who has worked closely with agriculture communities in Montana, Murphy understands the daily struggles and challenges faced by farmers in the state. The inefficiency of battery power in cold weather, coupled with the lack of electric infrastructure in remote areas, makes electric vehicles a less viable option for rural residents. For Murphy, his farm’s location several miles from the nearest paved road makes electric vehicles nearly useless, as they do not have the range or capacity needed for rural living and agriculture practices.
The mandate to transition two-thirds of U.S. vehicles to electric power by 2032 represents a significant federal government overreach, according to Murphy. He calls on lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to recognize the unique needs of rural Montana communities and prevent this mandate from being enforced. Murphy warns that forcing farmers to adopt electric vehicles could have severe consequences for the agriculture industry, leading to disruptions in crop shipments and supply chains, as well as increased costs for consumers.
In advocating for the needs of rural Montanans and the agriculture industry, Murphy emphasizes the importance of practical solutions that take into account the realities of life in remote areas. He underscores the essential role that gas- and diesel-powered vehicles play in enabling farmers to carry out their work efficiently and effectively. Murphy’s experience and insight as both a farmer and a former state Senator provide a valuable perspective on the impact of federal regulations on rural communities, urging for a balanced approach that supports the diverse needs of all residents in Montana.
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