Mike Sommers, President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API), said that Americans desire solutions rather than electric vehicle (EV) mandates that prohibit gas-powered vehicles and jeopardize national security. This comment was published on the New Jersey Business & Industry Association website.
“Americans want solutions, not government mandates from Washington or California,” said Sommers. “Despite increased costs, lack of charging infrastructure and risks to our national security, the Biden administration and local politicians are moving to implement a de facto ban on new gas-powered cars and trucks. Americans deserve the freedom to drive whatever vehicle fits their needs and budget. It’s time our elected leaders pursue policies that actually work for the American people and secure our country’s energy advantage.”
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the Biden administration’s support for aggressive EV transition policies has been mirrored by state-level initiatives, such as New Jersey’s adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) standards. These standards require all new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. These measures are perceived as imposing a ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles, raising concerns about consumer choice, affordability, and the readiness of critical infrastructure, including nationwide EV charging networks.
EmobilityPlus reports that as of 2024, electric vehicles accounted for 10.2% of new light-duty vehicle sales in the United States, marking an increase from 9.5% in 2023 and 7.0% in 2022. This growth indicates a steady upward trend in EV adoption, driven by factors such as improved vehicle affordability, expanded model availability, and heightened consumer awareness of environmental issues. However, achieving broader market penetration is hindered by factors like charging infrastructure limitations and consumer perceptions regarding range anxiety.
According to Pew Research Center, as of February 2024, the United States had over 61,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations, more than doubling the number from 2020. Despite this progress, the number of charging stations remains significantly lower than the approximately 145,000 gasoline fueling stations nationwide. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in developing a comprehensive charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the road.
Sommers has served as President and CEO of API since 2018 and has become a leading figure advocating for market-driven energy policies that prioritize oil and natural gas industry interests. Before his leadership role at API, he served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, where he played a significant role in shaping legislative strategies related to energy, trade, and fiscal matters.
