Republican-sponsored bill opposes measures to outlaw gas-powered vehicles

State and local governments in Wisconsin would not be allowed to ban gas-powered vehicles, snow blowers, lawnmowers, and other machines under a pair of bills up for a vote today in the state Assembly, the Associated Press reports.

The bills’ Republican sponsors hope to outlaw measures similar to a law passed in California last year requiring that all new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035.

In a message to lawmakers seeking co-sponsors, the Republican authors of the Wisconsin bills outlined fears regarding state bureaucrats and local governments taking matters into their own hands to ban gas engines.

Gas stations and fossil fuel industry groups such as Kwik Trip and the American Petroleum Institute have thrown their support behind the measures. Meanwhile, environmental advocates and the American Lung Association oppose them.

If the measures pass the Republican-controlled Assembly today, they would still need approval from the Senate and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who is likely to veto them. Evers has been at odds with Republicans when pushing to use state money to build out electric vehicle charging stations.