As Governor J.B. Pritzker remains committed to his objective of increasing the number of zero emission vehicles in Illinois, a certain group argues that there is a hasty movement towards prohibiting the sale of new gas vehicles.
The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers have expressed concerns about the accelerated implementation of policies by federal and state governments. These policies aim to restrict consumer choice and ultimately phase out the availability of new gas cars.
“The prospect of consumers being stripped of their freedom to select the cars that best suit their preferences and requirements in just a few years is deeply unsettling for people,” expressed Chet Thompson, President and CEO of AFPM.
Illinois Governor Pritzker has set an ambitious target of having one million electric vehicles cruising on the state’s roads by 2030.
During a recent ribbon cutting ceremony for an EV training academy in Normal, Illinois, Governor Pritzker expressed his confidence in the future of electric vehicles. He stated, “Electric vehicles are going to be commonplace, and we’re going to be at the head of the line in Illinois for the workforce.” With this statement, Governor Pritzker emphasized the state’s commitment to being a leader in the EV industry and the importance of preparing a skilled workforce to support its growth.
According to Thompson, President Joe Biden’s EV agenda is detrimental to families, the economy, and U.S. manufacturing jobs. He believes that the implementation of this agenda is occurring at an excessively rapid pace.
According to Thompson, within a few years in California, it will be impossible to purchase a car that runs on gas or diesel. He asserts that this will account for 35% of the new car market, while the remaining two-thirds of cars in the rest of the country will be required to be electric.
Illinois is currently considering adopting California’s stringent emission standards through legislation in Springfield. However, Governor Pritzker has expressed his opposition to this proposal.
Americans have been hesitant to transition from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). EV manufacturers like Tesla and Ford have been reducing prices in order to boost sales. Additionally, General Motors is considering reintroducing plug-in hybrids, indicating a potential shift away from their previous focus on pure EVs.
Rivian Automotive, which has a plant in Normal, recently made the decision to lay off 10% of its workforce and intends to maintain production at the same level as 2023. Additionally, the company has announced the suspension of construction on a $5 billion factory in Georgia. Rivian officials have revealed that the production of R2 mid-sized SUVs will now be relocated to Normal. It is worth noting that in 2017, the company received approximately $50 million in Illinois tax credits with the aim of job creation in the state.
Rivian stock has experienced a rebound, currently trading at approximately $12 per share. However, it is important to note that this price is still considerably lower than its previous peak of $28.