Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Maryland to Phase Out Gas Vehicles?
Posted March 17, 2023
This week, Maryland Governor Wes Moore called on the Maryland Department of the Environment to adopt a regulation that will require 100 percent of new vehicles sold in the state to be electric, fuel cell, or plug-in hybrid by the year 2035. The department is expected to approve the regulation, which will essentially mirror the news-making Californian policy. New, fully-gas-powered vehicle sales would be prohibited in one dozen years. This will make Maryland just one of 17 states to adopt regulations that are stricter than the Federal standards signed by President Biden two years ago that called for 40 to 50 percent of the country’s annual sales to be battery electric, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid by the year 2030.
Do you agree with Gov. Moore’s call for phasing out fossil-fueled vehicles in Maryland by 2035? Why or why not?
Here’s what you said: It would be wonderful if we did not have to burn fuel, because it does produce air pollution. However, we do not yet have enough safe, plentiful renewable energy sources in place to replace gas fuel. In fact, we need petroleum/gas for generators when electric power is disrupted. In California, during a major power outage, government officials were urging drivers of electric cars not to charge their batteries because electric power was needed for residential and business facilities to have heat, etc. We are in a difficult situation right now, and we have to consider a possible EMP attack, which would require gas vehicles to be used (until fuel no longer available either), and other limitations of electric power. Both types of power sources in vehicles, etc. can be polluting, especially the expensive batteries of electric vehicles when they break down and have to be piled in dumps throughout the country. I believe that the bottom line is that we have to give priority to experimenting with alternative power sources, encouraging competition and individual choice, and accepting the fact that, although we can all try harder to be the best possible stewards of God's creation, there will always be types of pollution and other phenomena that we cannot control. There are much more worthy and promising causes to adopt. —Carol Moyer, Riva
Absolutely NOT!!! No on all electric or all hybrid! Electric vehicles are destroying the earth more so and faster than gas vehicles. Wake up! —S Bailey, Annapolis
Another idea by MD politicians thar prove they don't understand the issues at hand as they're short sighted, expensive, and irrational which will force many Marylanders to move away. People can't afford these sorts of initiatives that will have a compounding impact on people as residents will be forced away. As people move away, MD will need to make up from lost citizens through raising taxes which in a state that's already expensive to live in will only exacerbate the problem. Good news, however, for neighboring and pro-business states VA and DE as we again come up with these shortsighted ideas! —David Cahouet, Arnold
This plan will appeal to the elitists but it will harm the Maryland economy and put an undue burden on the citizens of our state. Apartment complexes will now have to accommodate these vehicles as well as the expense and toxic concerns of batteries that have yet to be fully examined. I recently am widowed and had to re-enter the workforce due to the soaring costs of living in Md. This made it necessary to purchase a new car. I considered an electric or hybrid but the added stress of charging and the cost of maintenance for the vehicle made it a "no" for me. This decision will marginalize a certain populace and put an undue burden on the people of this state. —Donna Lucas, Annapolis
I agree with the idea of transitioning Maryland's consumers to using electic vehicles in the future. However, I live in a condominium community that has about 14, four-story buildings for its residents. Our community studied practical issues associated with installing and using charging stations in our community. Several practical problems were identified concerning placing charging stations in our community such as cost of installations, costs of maintenance, placement, equitable access and more. The costs and cost-sharing issues for these stations are very complicated according to our analysis. Will the State pay for these costs? —Robert Davis, Odenton
I do not agree with Governor Moore's call to make all cars in Maryland electric. You can only go so many miles on them without having to stop and recharge which is inconvenient if you have to drive a cross country. —Kay Schultz, Stevensville
The electric supply technology is not ready for this. The battery technology is not ready for this. The costs are too high. A government mandate will not hasten these technologies. Let the technology mature and let market forces drive the price down. Artificial, government driven demand will keep prices high and slow technology growth. —Daryl Hodge, Arnold
While I am happy to see greener energy advancing, the push for EV by 2035 is overly ambitious. This is from the Dept of Energy's website: "Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are both capable of being powered solely by electricity, which is produced in the United States from natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, wind energy, hydropower, and solar energy." Right now the electricity is still mainly coming from fossil fuels to power these vehicles. Get the green power infrastructure in place first, then let's talk about moving forward. —Jean Leidner, Davidsonville
Until the batteries of the electric vehicles stop going on fire and other electric vehicle issues are resolved which should take several years it should not be made mandatory to stop gas vehicles. Also people can't afford to convert to these vehicles and it will not save the environment. It will cost millions to set up enough electrical hookup which will increase the use of energy and the EV don't work when the weather reaches 20 degrees. this is a stupid move on the governor until EV are made and tested appropriately lets not stop gas vehicles. It also impacts so much farming equipment, high rise equipment that run on gas or diesel. Stop the insanity of converting and limiting us American people. Do the studies do the test and don't rush into this. This also means so much more hookups on highways, off road sites which people like to take to see scenery. Military equipment/vehicles/ lawn mowers, etc. So don't be stupid and stop gas usage. We will drain the energy grid with this to as we have seen in CA. I say NO to this!!!!!! As a veteran the Governor should know this will not be a good move. —Marianne Plude, Deale
It is great to encourage the purchase and use of EVs; who doesn’t want to cut ties to the ever increasing cost of gasoline? However, it appears that the governor is pandering to the woke mob that has proliferated these past few years. It is hard to believe that such an educated person is willing to push this type of action without realizing that our state, and nation, cannot support such a move. Our power grid is not able to handle this type of demand in addition to powering homes, schools, businesses. Unless we heavily invest in upgrading and securing our power grid, this is not doable-can we deal with brownouts as experienced in California because of increased demand and decreased output? Such a decision should be left to voters to decide. The governor is an elected official, not some autocrat or dictator. What’s next? Banning all gas- or diesel-fueled vehicles?! And let’s not forget about the high cost of these vehicles and their batteries that are buried in pits when they no longer hold a charge. —Donna Prynada, Stevensville
This is a ridiculous proposal, glad I no longer live in Maryland! —Lori Rose, Fernandina Beach
This will only help the environment if the electricity is produced by solar, wind or water power. How many coal powered plants are there in Maryland? We should start with general power production using hybrid cars then move forward. —Debra Woodruff-Capper, Rock Hall
A DUMB idea !!! No range, too expensive & require a search for limited charge locations. —John Blauvelt, Arnold
Making a mandate requiring EVs by a short time frame in the state ignores some vital concerns; the first being electric grid’s capacity, secondly the safety of the batteries being used ( the tend to ignite). Plus the price is beyond the reach of many residents. Rather than mandating it would be better to let the market move in the direction of electric vehicles at its own pace. —Maria Museler, Annapolis
Once again, politicians putting the cart before the horse in the name of virtue signaling. Horrible idea, and incredibly short sighted. Wasteful- no cleaner than gas / oil cars (with batteries made out of expensive and rare materials, and electricity produced from other "dirty" energy sources), not to mention all of the new unnecessary production to replace perfectly good and usable vehicles. Elitist- to believe that everyone can "just go buy a hybrid or electric vehicle." The prices are absurd, and only a person who is completely out of touch with reality would ever believe that this is something everyone will be able to afford to do (even IF they wanted to). Inefficient- The only way that electric cars are ever going to be seen as more beneficial to the consumer, is if they are both equal or better when it comes to cost and efficiency. They are certainly not cheaper, and I absolutely can't drive up to a gas station, charge my battery (in the same or even CLOSE to the same time it would take to fill a tank with gas), and be on my merry way. What happens when people want to go anywhere more than 5-6 hours away? Are they supposed to stop and get a hotel so they can recharge their battery overnight every time their battery is empty? Turning road trips that would have previously taken a day or two, into a trip that takes 2-3 times as long?? Freedom of travel is important to me, and many others. And before I have a "Marie Antoinette" tell me to "just fly" instead, please reference the "elitist" section above. Also, batteries are nowhere near as efficient in cold and wet situations. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Look, I don't care if people want to drive electric or hybrid cars, if that's what works for them! But honestly, currently the only benefit to the consumer is that they don't have to smell the dirty smells that come along with gas powered vehicles, so they get to feel "good" about themselves while doing it (even though they're not doing anything of actual real value- because electricity production is just as dirty in the end), and the politicians get to pat themselves on the back for "doing" something to make themselves look good, even though what they're really doing, is proving themselves to be the power hungry tyrants they are. In the end, you do you, and I will do me. But don't touch my Wrangler. If this actually comes to pass, there will be a lot more "phasing out" than gas powered vehicles- be ready for a lot of people to "phase out" of Maryland, just like they're doing in California. Until you have a TRUE sustainable plan in place, that is more cost effective and more efficient than what we currently have, you really have nothing. Stop wasting our time trying to look good, and do something of actual value for our state. —Talia Grover, Annapolis
This is unbelievable ....So you what happens to our gas stations, mechanics, and Jobs people who just don't want electric cars... go to other states to buy cars... forcing people to go to other states to buy...…. I work from my vehicle and the charging wont last me a day.....and to install charging station in your home cost $$$ are you thinking of people who live here ... —Skip Bettis, Boonsboro
I agree with Governor Moore's initiative. Global warming is a real threat to the world. I am a scientist and understand the science well. I heard the first study on global warming almost 50 years ago, when I was in graduate school. EV vehicles offer a real option to help reduce pollution and green house gases. Maryland and Annapolis in particular are susceptible to rising bay water levels and flooding. The health of the bay is negatively impacted by global warming and pollution. We need to make our world sustainable for future generations. —Steven Kubisen, Annapolis
WHY ARE RETIRED, ELDERLY REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A VEHICILE THEY CANNOT AFFORT ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS. IF THIS IS PASSED - THEY ALL SENIORS SHOULD BE GIVEN A FREE CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION —Dot Cover, Stevensville
I am 100% against this. —Jim Eddowes, Arnold
Holy unintended consequences, Batman! First of all, this feels like an infringement of our rights. Second, what do you think this is going to do the the price of electric cars? How do you think this is going to impact the car sales industry in our state? How do you think this is going to impact the gas-station industry in our state. What about people who need gas powered vehicles? How do you think electricity is created? We are going to copy California? Look at the power grid issues they have been having. Our new Governor seems like a nice guy, but this is an OVER-REACH. Bad idea. —Laura Gayvert, Crofton
Absolutely not! Is there a place for EVs? Certainly. My opposition is to dictate via governmental fiat. Once EVs are evolved to where they represent an economical alternative to ICE vehicles, the consumer will adopt them because it will be the right thing to do. We currently lack both the infrastructure (charging) and technology (batteries with 500+ mile range to encourage a change. Further, we lack the trucks that support our farms and industries to dictate a change. These pieces of legislature look good on paper, but fail in reality. Our focus in Maryland should be on tax breaks for technology companies that are on the forefront of developing EVs that support the needs of the people. —Robert Irwin, Churchton
Aspirational but not pragmatic. —Janet Gellici, Annapolis
Wisconsin State Trooper Story - EV’s. From an anonymous Wisconsin State Trooper: I'm not a fan of all electric vehicles. Too many variables affecting battery consumption. Definitely not suited for cold climates. The following experience just cements my distaste for EV's, especially Tesla’s. I get sent to a motorist assist the other day, at the start of our snowstorm. Tesla on the side of the interstate, dead battery. So, I arrive on scene and the occupants have the right-front door open. They tell me that they can't open any other doors, because the battery is dead. Sure enough. Can't open the doors from inside or outside. The driver also can't get her license out of the glove box where she put it during their trip. Because the glovebox opens electronically... and the battery is dead. You actually have to use the computer in the center of the dash to open the glovebox. They said they had 10% battery left, should've been plenty to get from that location to the charging station nearby. Then all of a sudden, the whole car shut off and they coasted to the shoulder. So now I have to find them a tow. No one wants to tow EV's. Finally found one company to do it. 8-mile trip to the charging station in Tomah. $1,000! Normal vehicle on the flatbed would've been $150. So now we're at the Tesla superchargers. Guess what. Can't open the f'n charging port because the battery is dead!!! The ports open, you guessed it, electronically!!!. And we also can't open the doors now (had to close the one open door when it was loaded onto the wrecker). The owner's manual is in the on-board computer, but the battery is dead. I got the occupants to a store where they'd be warm while calling the rental company to figure out how to charge this POS, so I'm not sure of the outcome. I had to leave for a crash report. EV's may be the way, someday, but certainly not today!! I'll stick with my dinosaur burner. —David Hobgood, Annapolis
I do NOT agree with phasing out gas vehicles. Electric vehicles are beyond the means of most Marylanders - in cost as well as maintenance. And they are a fire hazard. I would move out of Maryland if this is enacted. —Cindy Grove, Havre de Grace
I think great idea as long as costs for EVs are subsidized up front vs tax rebates. People can't afford to wait for tax incentives. —Kelly Leso, Annapolis
It will do nothing to the climate. EV's generate the same amount of CO2 in the acquisition and production phase as gas vehicles expend in use. CO2 is a trace gas that has little to no impact on climate, water vapor exerts far more green house gas potential. The electrical grid is not prepared to support all electric vehicles. Gov. Moore obviously thinks the California governor is the model to follow. —Joe Stephens, Severna Park
As a country we are simply not able to support a battery powered environment at this time. —Sue Grant, St. Michaels
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