State Senator Calls CT Electric Vehicle Proposal A 'Drastic Mandate'

HARTFORD – State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-35th District) Monday issued an animated statement on the Lamont Administration’s proposed ban of all gas-powered vehicles in 2035.

Gordon said the "drastic mandate" on cars and trucks in the state "will affect all Connecticut families and businesses."

He continued, "I remain very concerned that Connecticut is a high-cost-of-living state with high energy costs and a high tax burden. We all feel it every day. I am fighting to make Connecticut more affordable and livable for hard-working people, families, retirees, and job-creating small businesses. The state’s proposed, unfunded mandates could have serious consequences for you.

"Where will all the extra electricity come from? Will electric vehicles be affordable? How will people and landlords pay for residential charging stations? Who will foot the bill for the increased demand on public infrastructure? Might it be taxpayers and electricity users, like you? How will people afford the increased business and transportation costs that would get passed onto the prices of food, goods, and services? Approximately 60 percent of our electricity comes from burning natural gas. Increased electricity demand means burning more natural gas. Aren’t we trying to avoid burning more natural gas?

"There would be a transition period during which EV electricity demand soars but electricity supply and transmission infrastructure lags. Before acting through mandates, it is important to plan appropriately and carefully. This planning should include all stakeholders, including residents. You do not need overly simplistic public policy mandates that are rushed to be enacted. Does the state government not want you to know or to be heard on this important topic?

"Therefore, the state should pause pushing through the EV mandates. Why tie ourselves to what California does? Connecticut is not California and the people of Connecticut have no input in what happens 3,000 miles away. In fact, the legislature ceded its responsibility when it delegated authority for DEEP bureaucrats to create big rules. The entire legislature, as your elected representation, does not get to review and vote upon the new rules. Only the 14 members of the legislature’s Regulation Review Committee get to do that. This is the wrong process to follow on such an impactful set of mandates. Instead, the legislature should hold public hearings, listen to what you have to say, debate the policy proposal, and make an informed decision.

"I support reasonable, responsible, and realistic efforts to deal with environmental concerns. Already, more people and businesses are buying electric vehicles without mandates. Manufacturers are building more electric vehicles without mandates. More Americans are likely to buy an EV as their next new vehicle—38 percent according to a Pew Research Study—without mandates. You deserve to make your own decision about what type of car or truck to buy without mandates. As the EV market grows and manufacturers build more, I welcome and support it. I am listening to what you have to say. Please reach out to me with your questions and concerns.”

The Lamont Administration's proposed gas-powered vehicle ban and EV mandate stipulates that that the sale of all new passenger cars sold in the state to be zero emission vehicles by 2035. The requirement would ban the sale, rental, leasing, or other acquisition of gas-powered cars. Used vehicles and school buses are exempt. New gas-powered trucks would undergo a significant phase out.

Links proposed rules include:

• Cars
• Trucks

A public hearing for passenger vehicles will take place on Aug. 22 at 9 a.m:

• Hearing Link: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/j/81807291329

All those interested in providing comments at the hearing must register at:

• https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUld-6qpzopGN1HeEa0hX8pIHIl_2O3jWCm

A public hearing for trucks will take place on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m.:

• Hearing Link: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/j/87125048941

All those interested in providing comments at the hearing must register at:

• https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdeyoqjMjHtX7jJG4FmIJTY8mCelygD1Q