Debunking the Myth: Biden's Alleged Gas Car Ban

In a surprising turn of events, the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) trade group has launched a multi-million dollar ad campaign, claiming that President Biden is planning to ban most new gas-powered cars. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that this is nothing more than a blatant attempt to mislead the public. The Biden administration has made it clear that they prefer to incentivize the transition to electric vehicles rather than impose any outright bans.

Cutting Through the Noise: The Truth About Biden's Policies

The Myth of the Federal Gasoline Car Ban

The AFPM's claims that President Biden is "banning most new gas cars" are simply not true. The current EPA regulations, which were enacted earlier this year, do not ban the purchase or ownership of any gasoline-powered vehicles. Instead, they set more ambitious emissions standards, giving automakers a transition period until 2032 to adapt. The Biden administration has consistently emphasized the importance of incentivizing the move to electric vehicles, rather than resorting to punitive measures or outright bans.

The California Mandate and Its Implications

It is true that the state of California has enacted a mandate for 2035, requiring all new cars sold to be zero-emissions capable, which includes gasoline-powered plug-in hybrids. However, it is crucial to note that none of the states targeted by the AFPM's ad campaign are part of this agreement. The Biden administration has not imposed any such mandate at the federal level, and there are no indications that they plan to do so in the near future.

The Automotive Industry's Transition to Electric Vehicles

Projections indicate that around 10% of new car sales in the U.S. will be electric or plug-in by 2024. This shift is not driven by any kind of gasoline ban, as no such thing exists or is even on the books at the federal level. Instead, the transition is being driven by a combination of consumer demand, technological advancements, and government incentives.

The Biden Administration's Approach to Electric Vehicles

The Biden administration has taken a proactive approach to supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Just last week, they announced over billion in grants to help auto manufacturing plants transition to the production of electric cars. This demonstrates the administration's commitment to facilitating a smooth and equitable transition, rather than imposing punitive measures or bans.

The Automotive Industry's Response

The United Auto Workers union, a strong supporter of the transition to electric vehicle production, has called the AFPM's ads "fear-mongering." This suggests that the industry itself recognizes the importance of moving towards a more sustainable future and is willing to work with the government to achieve this goal.In conclusion, the claims made by the AFPM's ad campaign are nothing more than a blatant attempt to mislead the public. The Biden administration has made it clear that they prefer to use a reinforcement and incentive program to influence American car buyers, rather than resorting to punishment or bans. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that the public remains informed and discerning when it comes to the true nature of the government's policies and the industry's own priorities.