Kamala Harris's Stance on Consumer Choice
Kamala Harris has been accused of wanting to limit Americans' choices when it comes to cars and household appliances. This criticism comes in response to her statement at a Michigan rally last week, where she assured the crowd that she would never dictate what kind of car they should drive. Critics argue that this claim is misleading and untruthful, given her stance on climate change and the regulations she supports.
Harris's Climate Change Policies
Harris is a strong advocate for combating climate change through changes in infrastructure, consumer goods, and lifestyle. She and the Biden-Harris administration have consistently issued regulations and fought in court to limit consumer options for automobiles and home appliances. While Harris supports consumer choice, critics argue that she only supports choices that align with her environmental agenda.
As a senator, Harris co-sponsored the Senate version of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal. She also co-sponsored the Zero Admissions Vehicles Act, which would require all cars to be electric vehicles (EVs) or otherwise zero-emissions by 2040. During her 2019 presidential campaign, she proposed phasing out new gas-powered cars even sooner, by 2035.
The Biden-Harris Administration's EV Policies
In April 2023, the Biden-Harris administration proposed rules to ensure that EVs would account for about 67% of all new car sales by 2032. Despite objections from various sectors and regions of the country, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final rules in March of this year. These rules require that between 31% and 44% of new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks manufactured in 2027 be EVs. By 2032, the rules stipulate that EVs should account for at least 56% of new car sales, with another 13% being hybrids.
However, despite government subsidies and pressure, consumers have been slow to adopt EVs. In 2023, EVs accounted for only 7.6% of new car sales. Critics of EVs cite limited range, long charging times, high costs, and potential environmental impact as reasons for their lack of popularity.
Concerns About EV Mandates
There are also concerns about the impact of EV mandates on national security and the economy. Critics argue that replacing fossil fuels with minerals found in China could endanger national security. Additionally, China is the low-cost manufacturer of EVs, which could result in American jobs and profits being sent overseas.
Energy expert Mark P. Mills warns that the world's mines may not be able to supply the necessary minerals to meet ambitious EV goals. The UN Trade Development Agency has also warned of potential shortages in lithium, cobalt, and copper if EV requirements are not slowed.
Harris's Stance on Home Appliances
Harris's desire to limit consumer choice extends beyond cars to home appliances. She supports the Green New Deal's goal of prohibiting sales of home appliances that do not meet strict emissions standards. The Biden-Harris administration has attempted to remove most home dishwashers, heaters, air conditioners, and gas stoves from the market, but some of these actions have been struck down by federal appeals courts.
In May, the House passed the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act in a bipartisan effort to prevent the administration from banning home appliances that run on natural gas.
Bottom Line
While Kamala Harris claims not to want to dictate consumer choices, critics argue that her policies would effectively limit options to those that align with her environmental agenda. This has led to a debate about the balance between consumer choice and environmental responsibility. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you agree with Harris's policies, or do you believe that consumers should have more freedom to choose? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
