June 5, 2024
Richmond, VA – Today, the Governor announced his intention to abandon Virginia’s Clean Car initiative under the guise of it pandering to corporate interests. That could not be farther from the truth. As we endeavor to create a Virginia that is better than we found it for future generations, ensuring they have clean air to breath is essential for them to thrive. Democrats from both chambers expressed their frustration with the Governor’s latest attack on environmental initiatives.
“The Governor has said a lot about jobs, but he rejected bringing Ford’s EV battery plant to Southside, VA. We lost out on all those family-supporting jobs. We know that electric vehicles are already taking off,” said Speaker Don Scott. “The demand for them is just growing more each year. If Virginians can’t find electric cars in their local dealerships, they will go out of state to buy their cars. The clean energy economy creates good high paying jobs and helps us protect our environment. The Governor is taking us backwards.”
Majority Leader Herring said, “After his attempt to leave RGGI – he’s showing his complete disregard for existing law by going around the General Assembly and pandering to corporate polluters. He has shown that he is not working for the people of Virginia and is more focused on not-being California than on being Virginia. Virginians supported this act and we will continue to fight for cleaner air for everyone.”
“Where’s the ‘moonshot’? If the Governor and his administration put half as much effort into leading on this issue and working to achieve our climate goals as he has put into tearing down the idea and grumbling that it is just too hard, we would be well on our way to success,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan. “When Virginia puts its mind to something, it can accomplish anything. The transition to clean cars is underway, and accelerating. The market knows it, Virginians know it, and the Governor knows it. Virginia should be reaching for the future, not shrinking from it.”
“Governor Youngkin’s latest antics are yet another display of his flagrant disregard for Virginia law and a concerning approach to governance. In his desperate attempt to bend to the will of the most extreme wing of his party to score political points, he is breaking the laws of our Commonwealth. His Attorney General has stated that the General Assembly would need to pass or amend legislation to change any laws on Clean Cars. It is time for the Governor to realize that Virginia is not a corporate hedge fund, and long past time for him to halt his attempts in running it like a hedge fund,” said Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke.
“Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares’ reckless, illegal and unconstitutional actions today are destructive of Virginia’s pro-business reputation. Working with a legislature that has a different political orientation can be challenging, but we fought a war in 1776 to ensure that an executive would never have the powers that Governor Youngkin nullify laws by press conference. It is also shameful that the Attorney General would support legal advice that could only come from attorneys like Rudy Guliani, Jenna Ellis or Sydney Powell. This behavior will not withstand legal scrutiny by Virginia’s judiciary,” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell.
“Governor Youngkin is obstructing vital efforts to address climate change and clean air by blocking clean car initiatives. By hindering the reduction of tailpipe pollution, our largest source of carbon emissions, he exacerbates the climate crisis and endangers Virginians with extreme weather, flooding, and heat. Virginia can and should be a leader in this effort, and we are committed to fighting climate change head-on and will continue to push for solutions that protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all,” said Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Chair Dave Marsden.
“As the patron of the 2021 legislation directing Virginia’s Air Pollution Control Board to adopt Advanced Clean Cars, I am deeply frustrated by Governor Youngkin’s shortsighted actions. This law, grounded in the federal Clean Air Act, empowered Virginia to join California and other states in enforcing stringent standards to combat tailpipe pollution. With the regulation now effective as of January 2024, it is deeply troubling to see the Governor undermine our critical efforts, allowing neighboring states to build revenue from our citizens. Electric vehicles are the future, and the Governor needs to accept this, or Virginia will fall behind,” said Senator Lamont Bagby.
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