(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In a move that has ignited intense political debates and rightly outraged most conservatives and Republicans, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer inked an executive directive on Tuesday, compelling the entire fleet of vehicles owned by the state government to make a swift transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).
The directive, a step in the governor’s extreme environmental agenda, imposes a deadline for Michigan’s state-owned light-duty vehicles to go emission-free by 2033, followed by their heavier counterparts by 2040.
While the governor’s decision received applause from environmental advocates, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, and the Detroit Regional Chamber, it has also stirred controversy, sparking concerns over potential costs and the practicality of achieving such a sweeping transition.
Whitmer’s directive aims to position Michigan at the forefront of the global shift to ZEVs. In a statement, she highlighted the state’s automotive industry’s advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) and claimed that the directive would set an example for Michigan-made EVs.
The governor emphasized the anticipated benefits, stating, “Getting this done will help drive demand for Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state, and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”
The executive directive outlines specific instructions for state agencies, urging them to prioritize ZEVs in their fleets, particularly those that travel the most miles.
It also calls for a focus on transitioning vehicles in communities historically impacted by higher pollution. Additionally, the directive mandates the installation of EV charging infrastructure in high-density areas.
Critics argue that the forced transition could impose substantial costs on the state and taxpayers, with concerns about the practicality of achieving a complete ZEV fleet within the specified timeline.
This move follows Whitmer’s recent signing of a legislative package enforcing aggressive green energy goals on state power providers, indicating a broader push for environmental initiatives in Michigan.
UAW President Shawn Fain expressed support for the state’s move but encouraged the purchase of union-made EVs, emphasizing fairness for auto workers.
Meanwhile, Glenn Stevens Jr., Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber, hailed the transition as a significant step toward Michigan’s leadership in the clean energy economy.
Michigan’s directive aligns with similar measures in states like New Mexico, reflecting a broader trend toward the electrification of public vehicle fleets.
Furthermore, Joe Biden’s 2021 executive order, calling for federal vehicle acquisitions to be exclusively ZEVs by 2035, set a precedent for similar initiatives, raising concerns about the associated costs and logistical challenges for taxpayers in the coming years.
