GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy McCarthy blamed decisions like banning new gas-powered cars for California's population loss. (GV Wire/David Taub)
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Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy did not mince words on a California decision to ban gas-powered cars starting 2035.
“I think that policy is bad and stupid. I think that policy only harms people from the standpoint that government is going to dictate what you can buy. Here we are with people with that like minded opinion that they know best and want to control all. They have now raised our price of living,” McCarthy said Friday.
The move by the California Air Resources Board Thursday to require all new cars, pickup trucks and SUVs sold in the state to be electric or hydrogen by 2035 is likely to reshape the U.S. auto market, which gets 10% of its sales from the nation’s most populous state, the AP reported. Leaders in several other states have promised to follow California’s lead.
The issue was one of several that McCarthy discussed during a 30-minute news conference with local media held at his Clovis campaign office.
McCarthy: Inflation Top Issue
McCarthy, poised to be the Speaker of the House if Republicans take control of the chamber in November, said inflation is the top issue he hears from constituents. He repeated the phrase often that inflation has eaten a month’s worth of salary for the average American.
He demonized Democrats for the price of gasoline and other costs. He also questioned the value of electric vehicles on Central Valley farms.
“Is an electric truck really going to work when it comes to tilling the farmland or is it really going to work if that’s our only choice when we’re moving dirt or are drilling for oil or natural gas or building a solar facility? Why do they take away options?” McCarthy said.
McCarthy questioned whether California even has the power capacity to charge all the new electric cars that would be required under the regulations.
The commission says car charging will account for about 4% of energy by 2030 when use is highest, typically during hot summer evenings. That’s when California sometimes struggles to provide enough energy because the amount of solar power diminishes as the sun goes down, the AP reported.
McCarthy blamed decisions like banning new gas-powered cars for the state’s population loss.
“Why do I have to be at a disadvantage to live in California? Maybe that’s why we’re losing a population. Maybe if we were a little freer and trust people to have their own choices, maybe it wouldn’t cost as much to live here and people would choose to stay here,” McCarthy said.
Curiosity drives David Taub.
The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices.
Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read.
Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man).
Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl.
When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue!
You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
