SE Wyoming News

CASPER, WY – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-WY, have united with Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in an effort to block the electric vehicle mandates put forth by the Biden administration. The bipartisan Congressional Review Act legislation introduced in the Senate aims to overturn the recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that would require a significant portion of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. to be electric vehicles (EVs) within the next eight years.

Senator Barrasso expressed his concerns, stating, "President Biden is trying to force-feed American drivers expensive electrical vehicles they don’t need, they don’t want, and they can’t afford." He emphasized the importance of allowing states like Wyoming, where larger vehicles are necessary for longer distances, to make their own decisions regarding vehicle choices. Barrasso added, "Our legislation will kick Washington out of the driver’s seat and repeal this reckless policy."

Senator Lummis echoed similar sentiments, saying, "The federal government has no business telling the people of Wyoming which vehicles they should or shouldn’t own." She criticized the administration for pushing expensive electric vehicles onto Wyoming drivers, highlighting the challenges these vehicles may face in navigating the state's rugged terrain. Lummis emphasized the need to preserve consumer choice and focus on unleashing American energy, rather than imposing unattainable EV mandates.

The proposed legislation comes in response to the EPA's recent announcement of emissions regulations that would significantly increase the percentage of EVs in the vehicle market by 2032. The finalized rules, unveiled by the administration in March 2024, aim to push electric vehicles to account for two-thirds of new vehicles by 2032, up from a mere 5.8% in 2022.

The ongoing debate over EV mandates reflects a broader discussion on federal regulations and consumer choice in the automotive industry. Senators Barrasso and Lummis, along with their colleagues, are committed to protecting Wyoming consumers from what they view as unfair mandates, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs and preferences.