A public hearing was held Tuesday about the future of electric vehicles in Connecticut and if you didn't get a chance to attend, there's still time to share your thoughts.
Republican lawmakers are pushing back on the announcement of Connecticut joining the California Clean Air Regulations. The standards would ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection took questions and comments on the proposed regulations. This all goes back to the end of July when the state announced new emissions regulations that would phase out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles to a total ban on selling new gas-powered cars by 2023.
On one end, Republican lawmakers say it is too expensive and we lack infrastructure such as charging stations while Democrats are pushing to move forward, saying a commitment was already made to these regulations in a bipartisan decision back in 2004 and should now focus on easing the transition.
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“I think that’s kind of ridiculous, I think you should have a choice," said Rochelle Laflamme, of Colchester.
She said she prefers gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks because of their capabilities she doesn’t think electric can match. Others expressed concern over the manufacturing process, lack of necessary energy generation, lack of charging infrastructure and cost.
“I am confident that long before we get to 2035, a comparable electric vehicle will be less expensive than an internal combustion vehicle," said Barry Kresch with the EV Club of Connecticut.
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Kresch also offered plans and funding the federal government has in place to significantly scale up charging infrastructure along major highway corridors. Some that have already made the switch say it was a good decision, and they are encouraging others to make the jump, too.
“I would never go back to gas after this," said Chad Anderson.
We caught up with Anderson while he was charging a Tesla in Hartford. He said after driving it, he loves the change.
But Anderson said the cost is a barrier, and if the state is going to make a commitment like the one proposed, he would like to see some changes to affordability and ensure everyone has access to EVs.
“Like this, when they do change, if you could trade in your old car for an older model, perfect, everyone would be set, but it’s the price range, that’s what’s going to stop people," Anderson said.
The state also fielded public comment for heavy vehicles, too. Those include tractor-trailers, garbage trucks and other large vehicles. New regulations would require those slash emissions 75% by 2032.
“We are calling this particular set of regulations a science experiment for us because all we can put out is a hypothesis of what could happen," said John Blair with the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut.
Blair said the technology isn’t ready for that kind of commitment and said the pressure companies would be under to comply, would cripple them with costs. Costs that would ultimately be passed on to the consumer.
He believes the goal of cleaner transportation is a good one and wants to continue moving in that direction. But regulations like these?
“It’s too much, too fast," Blair said.
An environmental expert from Yale says the infrastructure will be needed, but doesn't expect gas-powered cars to just disappear by 2035.
"We are going to need a lot more charging stations," said Kenneth Gillingham of the Yale School for the Environment. "A very high percentage of the used vehicles will be gasoline powered, no one is going to take away your gas-powered vehicle."
The public hearing took place virtually Tuesday.
Anyone who didn't get a chance to weigh in on the issue now has more time to do so. Comments can be emailed to deep.mobilesources@ct.gov now through Aug. 30 at 5 p.m.
