Wyoming, a state that relies heavily on pickups for tasks like hauling livestock, has taken legal action against the Biden administration’s new fuel economy standards. The rules, aimed at saving on fuel costs and reducing pollution, require light-duty vehicles to average 50 miles per gallon by 2031. Gov. Mark Gordon has criticized these standards as impractical in Wyoming due to long distance travel and extreme cold weather. He believes that electric vehicles may not be the best option for the state.
The governor also expressed concerns 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. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg assured that efforts are underway to find solutions tailored to the state’s unique circumstances.
Despite this, Wyoming is currently involved in 58 lawsuits against various federal agencies, according to the governor’s office. Gordon noted that a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Chevron doctrine may impact these lawsuits, limiting agencies’ leeway in interpreting ambiguous legal language. 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 radio and online platforms. Through this partnership, they aim to provide comprehensive reporting on state issues and keep residents informed about important developments affecting their communities.
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