We ask fellow Mainers, has government gone absolutely loony? On Dec. 13 this was the headline that greeted us: “Maine considering California-style incentives to encourage electric vehicle sales.”
This measure would require, not encourage, 82% of new vehicles sold to be zero emissions by 2032.
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection must not implement such insanity. Most Mainers cannot afford electric vehicles, and our cold climate, distance travel requirements, lack of statewide public transportation, and lack of chargers make these vehicles impractical.
Further, in cold weather, the range estimate of electrics can be cut in half. That means every 150 miles will require a charge and three hours of driver time.
If driving from Portland to Bangor, for example, a stop for recharge could be required. A three-hour trip becomes five hours. Five hours in both directions.
It is time our government stood up for our country, our state, and our economy. We cannot prosper, economically or socially, using electric vehicles exclusively in Maine.
Major vehicle manufacturers and 3,000 new vehicle dealers have come to their senses and are asking the government to stop forcing this agenda.
Rep. Tammy Schmersal-Burgess, Mexico, House District 119, and Joseph Martin, Rumford, Republican candidate for state Senate District 19
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