Inslee Cheers Biden Order On Electric Vehicle Sales

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has issued a statement expressing his support for a Biden Administration plan to emphasize production of electric cars.

Thursday President Joe Biden announced an executive order requiring that 40 to 50 percent of all U.S. car sales be electric vehicles by the year 2030. The Biden administration is also asking auto manufacturers to increase gas mileage 1.5 percent each year through 2026, and cut greenhouse gas emissions another 25 percent over four years, the Associated Press reported.

The Biden Administration had previously set a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, and say the new effort will make that goal within reach.

In his statement responding to the news, the governor said maneuvers like this will be key if the country is going to win the fight against climate change.

"As we’ve seen from the devastating droughts and wildfires raging across the West, climate change is already here," Inslee said. "We must act boldly and urgently. As federal agencies take next steps, we urge the Biden Administration to enable state leadership by empowering states to accelerate the transition to clean cars and trucks through strong vehicle standards, and to deliver on its commitments of a nationwide build-out of clean vehicle and mass transit infrastructure."

Transportation is America's largest source of greenhouse gases, accounting for around 29 percent of emissions in 2019.

"Washington looks forward to its continued partnership with the Biden Administration, industries and other states to realize our clean energy future," Inslee said.

While the governor's focus remained largely on the potential benefit to the climate, there is a business angle to the order as well. Part of Biden's order was driven by the increasing international push for electric vehicles, and a desire to ensure that the American auto industry remains competitive.

“The question is whether we lead or fall behind in the race for the future,” Biden said, “Folks, the rest of the world is moving ahead. We have to catch up.”

Several automakers had previously announced similar electric vehicle goals. Ford and Stellantis had already pledged to sell more than 40 percent electric vehicles by 2030, and General Motors has plans to exclusively manufacture electric cars by 2035, the Associated Press reported.

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