A prominent Republican Senator says that he is in favor of gas-free cars, but Senator Chuck Grassley says that buying one should not be a mandate.
The Iowa Senator made his comments on his weekly call with ag reporters.
Last week, a group of Democrats introduced a bill that would require automakers to only produce electric cars by 2035. Grassley said that most Americans will eventually want that option but this bill does not make sense.
“Remember that a majority of electricity is still produced by fossil fuels, and given the impact of cobalt mining in Africa and cobalt is necessary for these big batteries that are in these cars, it’s not clear that this bill is the most environmentally sound option that we ought to be choosing,” Sen. Grassley explains.
He said that the bill has the potential to decrease the U.S. farm economy by nearly $30 billion dollars.
He also states that he will focus on protecting Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel jobs, while also protecting consumer freedom and opportunities in rural America.
Net zero emission semi trucks are ready in North America.
Nearly 125 models are in production or development, with every major truck and bus company developing at least one all electric model.
This includes Tesla’s Semi and Orange EV’s terminal truck for use at repair facilities. The Environmental Defense Fund says that the industry is ready to roll these out, they just need “bold policy” to push the market forward.
Related:
CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association reacts to the Zero Emission Vehicle Act.
California’s governor bans the sales of gas-powered cars by 2035.
American Coalition of Ethanol responds to CA’s gas car ban.