Rules move toward elimination of gas-powered cars and trucks through forced electric vehicle purchases
AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public hearing at the Augusta Civic Center August 17 at 9 a.m. to take public comment on a proposed rule that would move toward the elimination of gas-powered vehicles.
Several House Republicans plan to join citizens in opposing the rules by testifying at Thursday’s hearing. Former NASCAR driver and State Representative Austin Theriault (R-Fort Kent) isn’t waiting for Thursday to condemn the statewide plan and spread the word on this destructive idea.
“This plan will make life even harder for my constituents struggling to get by,” said Rep. Theriault. “Folks in Aroostook County are making about $28,000 per year, while the average new car is already almost double that, gas sits around $4 per gallon, and electric rates continue to skyrocket. I suspect those who proposed and support these plans have lost touch with the struggles of Maine’s working class. Making driving more expensive to try meet the state’s arbitrary emissions goals is unacceptable.”
In addition to Thursday’s Public Hearing, the DEP will accept public comments through August 28th.
After his retirement from driving, Austin Theriault was elected to the Legislature and now serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. He and other Republicans were a driving force behind a new law that creates a more permanent funding stream for Maine’s roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
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