Chico Times

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher has expressed strong opposition to the Biden administration's decision to approve Governor Gavin Newsom's ban on gas-powered cars. Gallagher criticized the move, stating concerns about technology readiness and infrastructure.

"Never mind that the technology isn’t there and the charging infrastructure is falling apart. Never mind that this isn’t practical in rural areas or that people can’t afford to pay even higher up-front costs for cars," said Gallagher. He accused Newsom and his Democratic allies of making life more difficult and costly for working Californians. "Looks like the governor’s tour of red parts of California was just a publicity stunt, because Newsom clearly hasn’t learned anything from it."

The ban on gas-powered vehicles was initially imposed by Newsom through an executive order after being rejected twice by the state Legislature. With only a month left before leaving office, officials in the Biden administration granted a waiver to California, allowing the ban to be implemented.