California is set to face a relentless heatwave this week and it is taking a toll on the power grid.
The state is asking residents to lower electricity use, including charging electric vehicles. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles shared this chart on Twitter showing some of the predicted temperatures. It includes the valleys and mountains that were expected to reach 115 degrees today.
The chart also has advice on how to prevent heat-related illnesses, which applies to farmers in the Golden State. Producers are encouraged to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
This heatwave comes as California confirmed plans to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by the year 2035. That would likely increase reliance on electric vehicles, even during these times when the state is asking for limited electricity use.
Senator Chuck Grassley thinks California is getting ahead of itself.
“You’re telling me that California is getting the cart before the horse. I believe that is what you’re saying and that’s absolutely right and it brings back something again. The very unrealistic proposals that EV’s being 100% by 2035; that in of itself seems a big push and unrealistic,” said Grassley.
Senator Grassley said if going to fully electric vehicles was realistic by 2035, then you have the issue of losing 46,000 biofuel jobs in Iowa alone.
Related:
California Governor bans the sale of gas powered cars by 2035
Renewable Fuels Association on California’s gas powered car ban
Phasing Out Gas-Powered Cars: How one U.S. Representative says it will hurt farmers
