Wyoming has taken legal action against the Biden administration’s new fuel economy standards, which require light-duty vehicles to average 50 miles per gallon by 2031. These rules, aimed at saving on fuel costs and reducing pollution, have been criticized by Gov. Mark Gordon. He argues that the standards are not practical in Wyoming due to factors such as long distance travel and extreme cold weather. In an interview, Gordon expressed concerns that electric vehicles may not be the best option for the state, where many people rely on pickups for tasks like hauling livestock.
The governor believes that the new rules amount to a federal mandate forcing consumers to transition to electric vehicles. Along with governors from 16 other states, he urged President Joe Biden to reconsider his ambitions regarding electric vehicles. Gordon emphasized that the remote nature of Wyoming’s roads must be taken into account, especially with requirements for charging stations every fifty miles. Despite this, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg assured that efforts are underway to find solutions tailored to the state’s unique circumstances.
Wyoming is currently involved in 58 lawsuits against various federal agencies, according to the governor’s office. Gordon noted that the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Chevron doctrine, which limited agencies’ leeway in interpreting ambiguous legal language, may impact these lawsuits. He hopes that this ruling will result in more serious consideration of the regulatory process and potentially rein in federal overreach, particularly in energy regulation.
Funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has enabled Wyoming Public Media and Jackson Hole Community Radio to collaborate on state government coverage. Through this partnership, they aim to provide comprehensive reporting on state issues through radio and online platforms.