Staff Reports
A recent survey conducted by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the leading trade association of fuel, has revealed strong opposition in seven key states against government efforts to ban gas cars. In battleground states such as Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, a majority of registered and likely general election voters have expressed their disapproval of government attempts to impose electric vehicle mandates and restrict the sale of new gas-powered cars.
The poll results were particularly striking in Michigan, where an overwhelming 87% of voters oppose such bans, with similarly robust opposition in states like Montana and Ohio. This widespread sentiment signals a clear message to the government that citizens are resistant to limitations on their choices regarding the vehicles they drive.
? Poll shows battleground state residents overwhelmingly oppose EV mandates; in Michigan 87% oppose only 8% supporthttps://t.co/mGW1wc1kEK
— Geoffrey A. Fields (@Gmoney__23) February 5, 2024
National polling data indicates that 60% of likely 2024 general election voters are against the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal, which aims to mandate nearly 70% of new cars sold in the United States to be electric rather than gas-powered. Opposition is even higher among Independents, at 61%, and Republicans, at an overwhelming 87%.
President Joe Biden's ambitious goal of achieving 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030 is encountering substantial resistance from the American people. Michigan, for example, falls significantly behind its target of 2 million electric vehicles by 2030, with concerns about range anxiety, limited charging infrastructure, and higher upfront costs serving as significant obstacles to widespread adoption.
The push for electric vehicles is not only raising concerns among the public about economic impacts but is also negatively affecting the workforce. General Motors' transition to electric vehicles resulted in over 1,300 layoffs and buyouts of 5,000 more employees. Even in Michigan, where subsidies for electric vehicle production were offered, weak demand led to the cutting of 800 jobs at a Ford Motor Co. site, prompting calls for an investigation into the supply chain due to ties with entities involved in human rights abuses.
Despite efforts to incentivize electric vehicle adoption, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposed $25 million program faces strong opposition from the public, further highlighting the skepticism and resistance surrounding the push for electric vehicles. The narrative that electric vehicles are the solution to environmental issues is not resonating with a significant portion of the population, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse perspectives on this matter.
