The rest of the world is preparing for the car industry's transformation by shifting from gas-fueled cars to electric vehicles. However, Wyoming's legislature believes that the sales of new electric vehicle models should be phased out by 2035.
Economical Standpoint
It may be confusing to some why a state would prefer to go against the tide, especially since other states are doing the exact opposite by moving to ban the purchase of new electric cars. Senate Joint Resolution 4 explains why that's the case.
The proposition was led by Senator Jim Anderson, as mentioned by Engadget, and other lawmakers. It states that the state's oil and gas industry was proud and valued and that it created countless jobs and revenue for Wyoming over the years.
Wyoming is the country's eighth-largest crude oil producer in 2021, supplying around 85.4 million barrels of oil. Senator Boner expressed that it was obviously a serious issue that needed to be addressed and subjected to public discussion.
It also posits that gas-powered vehicles have transported goods and resources more efficiently throughout the US since their invention, and allowed the state's industries and businesses to engage in commerce.
The Senate Joint Resolution 4 also pointed out that Wyoming still has not developed enough charging infrastructures for EVs, which is essential considering the "vast stretches of highway," thus, making the use of EVs "impracticable."
Environmental Standpoint
Senator Boner also pointed out that he was interested in making sure that the proposed "so-called climate crisis" solutions are actually practical, instead of other states trying to force technology that isn't ready just yet, which may cause more issues than it solves.
Critical minerals used in electric batteries are not easy to recycle or dispose of. Municipal landfills in Wyoming or anywhere else will have to develop practices to deal with it in a responsible manner. Otherwise, it might add to the already heavy amount of waste.
Although it sounds counterproductive, the resolution aims to preserve the country's critical minerals for vital purposes, instead of being used for the production of electric vehicles and the batteries it needs to run.
While factoring in the amount of minerals that will be used, the resolution also mentioned that the ban will ensure stability in the state's oil and gas industry. From an environmental point of view, it appears to be more harmful considering the carbon emissions brought by gas-fueled cars.
Conclusion
With all those being said, Senate Joint Resolution 4 aims to phase out the sales of new electric vehicles by 2035. It also encourages the state's industries and citizens to limit the purchase and sale of new EVs.
Its goal is also for the State Secretary of Wyoming to transmit copies of the resolution to the President of the United States Joe Bide, the members of the congressional delegation of Wyoming, the Senate, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, and the governors of Wyoming and California.
