Kamala Harris Campaign Changes Position on Electric Vehicle Policy

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has revised its stance on a previously supported electric vehicle mandate, but what does this shift mean for environmental policy and regulatory discussions?

At a Glance

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign announced she no longer supports electric vehicle mandates.
This reversal comes after the Biden-Harris Administration announced EV mandates in March.
Harris’s campaign issued a “fact check” email dismissing claims about her support for an EV mandate.
Harris co-sponsored the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2019, advocating for the ban of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2040.
The Biden administration’s EPA regulations aim for half of all new car sales to be electric by 2030.

Harris Campaign Reverses Stance

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has taken a surprising turn by announcing her departure from supporting electric vehicle mandates. This significant adjustment indicates a more cautious approach compared to her previous fervent advocacy for such policies. Harris’s campaign issued a “fact check” email dismissing claims from public figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance, categorically stating that she does not support an electric vehicle mandate.

Harris’s recent shift leaves many pondering the motivations behind this change. Various challenges, both practical and public acceptance, seem to have played a role. Harris co-sponsored the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2019, which aimed to ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2040. Despite her campaign’s current distance from strict mandates, the policy reversal suggests prioritization of achievable goals over strict mandates.

Impact on Environmental Policy

The flip-flop raises questions about the coherence and consistency of the administration’s environmental strategy. The Biden administration, which Harris is a part of, announced ambitious plans earlier this year. In March, detailed regulations aimed for half of all new car sales to be electric by 2030. While Harris initially supported these measures, her current stance reflects a departure from the previously laid-out roadmap.

“Forcing unwanted vehicles upon New Mexico’s working families is wrong no matter if it’s being done by Santa Fe or Washington, D.C. However, expect Governor Lujan Grisham to stay silent on this latest surrender because she likely knows Harris will quickly abandon this position again if she’s elected.”

Critics argue that the policy reversal will have implications beyond just environmental strategy. Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power The Future, suggested that Harris’s change in stance was politically motivated. Additionally, this shift could affect ongoing regulatory discussions within the auto industry and impact strategies aimed at combating climate change.

I’m Kamala Harris, and I’m running for President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/6qAM32btjj

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024

Past and Present Positions

Harris’s campaign insists she currently does not support an electric vehicle mandate, despite her previous advocacy. During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris promoted even stricter standards, advocating for a ban on internal combustion engine cars by 2035. While these policies were bold, Harris’s recent reversal marks a distinct shift towards more nuanced and achievable environmental goals.

“Combined with her fracking flip-flop, this is the second major reversal from Harris against the failed energy agenda she helped craft. The inconvenient truth is Kamala Harris will abandon anything she feels hurts her politically on her quest for more power. The American people shouldn’t fall for it.”

The administration has not only been supportive of electric vehicle production but has also introduced various incentives. These include tax credits for EV purchases and a tailpipe emissions rule aimed at reducing gas-powered car production. Nevertheless, Harris’s revised stance could indicate a shift in how aggressively these policies will be pursued moving forward.

The bet is simple: Reverse every unpopular position in states like Michigan (EV mandate) and Pennsylvania (banning fracking/ending fossil fuels) and basically adopt all of Trump's positions. Then proceed to count on the media to not call this out because many want Trump defeated. https://t.co/AO54CD794l

— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) August 27, 2024

Broader Implications

The policy reversal does not only complicate the administration’s approach to climate change but also reflects a broader trend. Harris has previously been accused of flip-flopping on various issues, including Medicare for All, banning fracking, and legalizing illegal immigration. Critics argue that such reversals suggest political expediency over steadfast policy goals.

“Governor Lujan Grisham is one of Kamala Harris’ biggest supporters in the state, so to see the Vice President quickly abandon her failed energy agenda must be shocking,” said Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power The Future.

As Harris’s campaign navigates this new stance, the shift will likely continue to shape discussions around environmental policy and the political landscape. Whether this strategic recalibration will win over voters or undermine her credibility remains to be seen.