If the United States experiences widespread blackouts in the next decade, don’t place all of the blame on Democrats.
If California has its way, many states may end up banning the sale of new gas-powered cars beginning in 2035 as the Golden State pushes for reductions in carbon emissions. That’s because California was granted a waiver from the 1970 Clean Air Act, allowing the state to create tougher emission standards if it receives federal approval. And in 1977, the federal government decided that other states could adopt the California standards. So if the federal government approves California’s plan, other states can follow suit, according to the New York Times.
And if this ends up happening and we see states ban gas-powered car sales starting in 2035, you can thank Republicans as well; Democrats aren’t the only ones pushing this type of legislation.
In Massachusetts, for example, most Republican state legislators support this California-style energy policy. The same is true of Republican Gov. Charlie Baker. Last month, Baker signed a climate bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Among other provisions, it says that if California can ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in 2035, Massachusetts will follow suit. And 19 of the 27 Republicans in the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of this bill; that’s more than 70% of the Republicans.
This kind of law will increase the demand for electricity, which may exceed the supply. California already has blackouts, and the state urges people not to charge their electric cars during certain times of the day. Just imagine how much worse that will become when the state forces more people to drive electric vehicles and restricts the fuel supply.
It’s undoubtedly a bad move. But when the talking heads on the Right say it’s an example of Democrats enacting crazy policies, they’ll be wrong. This anti-human environmentalism is a team effort from both major parties.
Finding practical ways to reduce carbon emissions is a worthwhile endeavor. But raising already skyrocketing electricity costs, making owning a car more expensive, and deteriorating people’s living standards are poor ways to do it.
Reforestation efforts, easing the bureaucracy surrounding electrifying dams, supporting hydroelectric conduits and nuclear power, investing in carbon capture technology, incentivizing remote work, and cutting mass immigration are all ways to cut carbon emissions. Many practical solutions exist that don’t involve making life more difficult for working people. Democrats, and Republicans, should take note.
Tom Joyce (@TomJoyceSports) is a political reporter for the New Boston Post in Massachusetts.
