Despite hostility from the new Trump administration, electric vehicles will eventually become a major part of the nation’s vehicle fleet, experts and researchers say.
Steve Hinebauch writes, "As a longtime rancher and legislator, protecting rural Montanans from legislation that infringes upon economic liberties and promotes government interference is my top priority."
Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund writes, "To provide the charging stations required for EVs, over the next 10 years we would see $11,833 per EV in additional costs passed on to Montana taxpayers and utility ratepayers."
Around 3,300 Washington residents have snapped up state-funded rebates to lease or purchase electric vehicles since the subsidies became available about two months ago.
Devin Filicicchia writes, "As electric vehicles become increasingly common in and around Missoula, the City of Missoula is looking to be proactive and ensure that EV adoption (and the benefits associated with it) can happen in a more equitable and intentional way."
As the year marches on, the City of Missoula will sharpen its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which could find its way into code reform and how the city prepares for changes in transportation and technology.
Utah and Montana are among 16 states suing California over a rule aimed at curbing air pollution that, according to a complaint signed by several attorneys general, “violates the Constitution and threatens our Nation’s economic security.”