Wyoming lawmakers introduce bill to ban EVs by 2035

In a move to counter the current Zeitgeist, a bill was introduced on 13 January into the state legislature of Wyoming that seeks to ban all new electric vehicles (EV) by 2035.

The bill has been introduced by Republican Senator Jim Anderson and is co-sponsored by Senators Brian Boner (Republican), Edward Cooper (R) and Dan Dockstader (R); and Representatives Donald Burkhart Jr (R) and Bill Henderson (R).

Senate Joint Resolution No SJ0004 proposes that the sale of new EVs in Wyoming be phased out by 2035 and some of the reasons cited in the bill for the proposed banning include:

• Oil and gas production are valued industries and create revenue and jobs within the state;
• There’s a lack of EV infrastructure, and building out new infrastructure will require “massive amounts of new power generation”;
• EV batteries require minerals not easily found domestically, and these minerals are not easily recyclable or disposable; and
• EVs “will be detrimental to Wyoming’s economy and the ability for the country to efficiently engage in commerce”.

This comes despite the fact that in an alternative reality to the one in which said lawmakers reside, the state’s transport department has earmarked $24 million for charging infrastructure.

It is unclear if the bill will be ratified, but it is worth noting that both the Wyoming House of Representatives and Senate are controlled by the Republican party.