The Biden administration’s latest initiative to promote electric vehicles (EVs) has been met with ridicule and criticism this week. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the “EV Video Challenge,” offering Americans the chance to win up to $3,000 for submitting a video showcasing their EV.
Critics quickly took to social media to slam the initiative, which they deemed as wasteful and hypocritical. The Alliance For Consumers accused the EPA of using taxpayer money to incentivize people to submit footage of their “overpriced government-subsidized EVs.” Jason Isaac, founder and CEO of the American Energy Institute, mocked the initiative, saying, “I’m guessing bonus points if it’s at a government-subsidized charging station on a non-racist road in an #EnvironmentalJustice community.”
The EPA defended the video challenge, claiming that it is an opportunity for EV owners to share their experiences and enthusiasm for the technology. The agency also stated that the videos can help educate and inform others about the benefits of EVs.
However, the backlash against the initiative highlights the growing concern over the push for widespread electrification by the Biden administration and states like California. In December 2022, the EPA finalized rules targeting heavy-duty trucks, and in April, it proposed the most aggressive federal tailpipe emissions rules on light- and medium-duty vehicles. The White House projected that these regulations could result in 67% of new vehicle purchases being electric by 2032.
How is the Biden Administration’s push to mandate Progressive Lifestyle Choices™ working out?
The EPA is now *paying people* (with taxpayer dollars) for positive stories about EVs actually working…
Yes, you read that correctly. https://t.co/tqFtUqajpV
— Alliance For Consumers (@for_consumers) November 8, 2023
Additionally, California recently approved regulations mandating all cars sold in the state be electric by 2035, and the EPA reinstated the state’s authority to set its own emission standards.
But according to a recent report by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, EVs remain significantly more expensive and less efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles. The report also highlights that tax incentives and subsidies, funded by taxpayers, are helping keep the costs of EVs down.
“Electric vehicle owners have been the beneficiaries of regulatory credits, subsidies, and socialized infrastructure costs totaling nearly $50,000 per EV,” said Jason Isaac, co-author of the report. “These costs are borne by gasoline vehicle owners, taxpayers, and utility ratepayers, who are all paying a hefty price for someone else’s EV.”
Critics also point to safety concerns, with recent reports of EV battery explosions and fire officials warning of the hazards of EV battery fires.
The Biden administration’s push for electrification and the implementation of stricter regulations has sparked debates over the affordability and practicality of EVs. As the EPA continues to incentivize and promote EVs, the backlash and criticism from skeptics are likely to intensify.
