Summary
– Montana relies heavily on gas and diesel-powered vehicles for transportation
– The Biden-Harris administration’s EPA mandate threatens Montanans’ ability to choose their preferred vehicles by requiring two-thirds of vehicles to be electric by 2032
– The shift to electric vehicles will increase consumer costs and strain Montana’s electric grid
– The average cost of electric cars is significantly higher than gas-powered vehicles, leading to financial strain on consumers
– Montana policymakers need to oppose the EPA mandate to protect Montana residents and energy security.
Article
Life in Montana is heavily reliant on energy, with companies and individuals working hard to ensure that Montanans have the power they need to go about their daily lives. However, the new EPA mandate under the Biden-Harris administration threatens this freedom. The mandate requires two-thirds of vehicles sold by U.S. automakers to be battery-powered or plug-in hybrid by 2032, eventually forcing residents to purchase expensive electric vehicles (EVs). The Executive Director of the Montana Petroleum Association is concerned about the impact this mandate will have on member companies, as oil and gas jobs may become scarce. The shift to EVs will also increase consumer costs and may not meet the needs of the oil and gas industry or everyday Montanans.
While member companies are addressing sustainability and climate issues, the reliance on gas- and diesel-powered vehicles in Montana is still significant. The average cost of an electric car is much higher than that of a gas-powered vehicle, which could put a strain on residents already facing a rising cost of living. In addition, insurance for EVs is more expensive, further adding to the financial burden on consumers. The government’s implementation of policies that impact job availability and provide only one expensive option for transportation raises questions about affordability and accessibility for Americans.
Aside from the financial strain on consumers, the forced transition to electric vehicles also raises concerns about Montana’s electric grid. The electrification of vehicles will increase demand on the state’s limited grid capacity, posing challenges for energy security. Efforts by Senator Steve Daines and Attorney General Knudsen to oppose the mandate are being commended, but more action is needed. It is essential for all office holders, including Senator Tester, to stand against the mandate from Washington, D.C. to protect Montana consumers and ensure energy security. Failure to do so may put residents at risk and further strain the state’s resources.
The Montana Petroleum Association and its member companies are dedicated to providing reliable energy sources to the people of Montana while respecting environmental concerns. The mandate for electric vehicles threatens the livelihoods of workers in the oil and gas industry and could lead to higher consumer costs without meeting the transportation needs of residents. Advocacy against the mandate is crucial to protect the way of life in Montana and prevent economic hardships for communities across the state. The support of policymakers in opposing the mandate is necessary to ensure that Montanans have access to affordable and reliable transportation options while maintaining energy security in the state.
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