Industry workers and elected officials in Toledo, Ohio, are set to rally against electric vehicle mandates today, citing concerns over President Biden's green energy agenda potentially impacting jobs and consumers' ability to purchase affordable cars. The protest is specifically targeted at the EPA's proposed tailpipe emission standards and bans on gas-powered vehicles in certain states.
The rally, organized by a coalition of bipartisan stakeholders, aims to address the perceived negative impacts of accelerating electric vehicle mandates. Participants argue that such mandates could lead to job losses in the Midwest, where the automotive industry plays a significant role in the economy. They also highlight the higher cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.
Another key concern raised at the rally is the reliance on a single country for 70% of the supply chains related to electric vehicle production. Participants argue that this concentration poses environmental challenges due to the energy-intensive nature of mining and processing minerals for battery production.
Furthermore, the potential shift of production and refining capacity overseas is seen as a threat to national security, as other countries may not adhere to the same environmental standards as the United States. Preserving domestic refining capacity is emphasized as crucial for both economic and security reasons.
Participants express skepticism about the feasibility of achieving the proposed transition to predominantly electric vehicles within a short timeframe. They argue that the lack of infrastructure, high costs for consumers, and existing challenges with electric vehicle performance in certain conditions make the transition unrealistic.
Concerns are also raised about the impact on jobs in Ohio, a state with a strong automotive manufacturing presence. The rally participants view the mandates as a de facto ban on internal combustion engine vehicles, which could disrupt the established supply chains and lead to job losses across various industries.
The call to action for the rally is clear: 'Save our jobs, don't ban our cars.' Participants stress the need for a more gradual and practical approach to transitioning to electric vehicles that considers the economic implications for workers and consumers alike.
