Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Republican Party has raised concerns over U.S. Senate candidate Representative Haley Stevens' support for California's electric vehicle (EV) mandate, cautioning that the policy could threaten jobs in Michigan's auto industry. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.

According to the California Air Resources Board, the Advanced Clean Cars II rule requires that by 2035, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California must be zero-emission vehicles. This regulation is intended to speed up the transition to electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Michigan GOP argues that if such mandates are adopted more widely, they could adversely affect Michigan's traditional automotive sector.

The Detroit Regional Chamber reports that Michigan's automotive and mobility industry contributes $304 billion to the state's economy and supports 1.1 million jobs, which represents 20% of the state's workforce. The industry includes 26 original equipment manufacturers with headquarters or technology centers in Michigan. The GOP contends that aggressive EV mandates could disrupt this vital economic sector.

A report by the Anderson Economic Group highlights potential impacts on road funding in Michigan due to EV adoption since these vehicles contribute less to fuel taxes—a primary source of road maintenance funding. The report suggests that without adjustments to taxation policies, a shift towards EVs could result in funding shortfalls. The Michigan GOP uses such findings to advocate for a cautious approach to implementing EV mandates.