DENVER – In response to Governor Jared Polis’ Executive Order regarding a transition to zero-emission vehicles, Senate Assistant Minority Leader John Cooke (R-Greeley) and Senate Minority Whip Ray Scott (R-Grand Junction) issued the following statement:

“Hidden behind the hypothetical promises of job and industry growth in Governor Polis’ Executive Order is the reality of increased vehicle costs, an impacted automotive sales industry, and the diverse geography of our state that differentiates us from most others.

This action does not encourage our automotive industry to innovate, it forces them to do so, and the result will undeniably be increased costs for Coloradans and lackluster, rushed products. While the Governor is correct in showing growth in the purchase of electric vehicles, what he forgets is that those in the lower and middle class of Colorado are undeniably sticking with gas-powered automobiles due to their overwhelmingly lower costs and reliability.

As the market brings down the costs of new technologies, demand will follow. Until that time, overreaching mandates will only impair the market’s ability to effectively respond.

Admittedly, a Tesla would probably make a great vehicle in downtown Denver, but out in Delta, you better have a truck. Ironically, the Governor admits the technology does not yet exist for tractors and farming equipment, but ignores that many other vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, also lack the technology for such a rushed implementation.

In addition, the Governor’s creation of the “transportation electrification workgroup” is packed full of individuals who work for the Governor, yet is short on even a single representative from the automotive industry, which will be expected to carry out these directives without a seat at the table.

Let our free markets work, Mr. Governor, and stop taking your cues from Governors Brown and Newsom.”