Gov. Glenn Youngkin vows to halt predecessor’s policies that would follow California in banning gas car sales

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has promised to dismantle Virginia’s path towards electric vehicles and away from gas vehicles. Youngkin released a statement on Sunday where he referred to the move as “ridiculous.”

Virginia’s previous governor, Ralph Northam (D), signed the legislation in 2021, which linked Virginia’s policies to The California Air Resources Board. The board will eliminate the sale of gas and diesel vehicles by 2035. Northam and the Democrat Party had full control of Virginia when the legislation was passed.

“In an effort to turn Virginia into California, liberal politicians who previously ran our government sold Virginia out by subjecting Virginia drivers to California vehicle laws,” Youngkin wrote on Twitter. “Now, under that pact, Virginians will be forced to adopt the California law that prohibits the sale of gas and diesel-fueled vehicles.”

“I am already at work to prevent this ridiculous edict from being forced on Virginians. California’s out of touch laws have no place in our Commonwealth,” Youngkin said.

He added that his stance has already garnered support from the Republican-held House of Delegates.

“House Republicans will advance legislation in 2023 to put Virginians back in charge of Virginia’s auto emission standards and its vehicle marketplace. Virginia is not, and should not be, California,” House Speaker Todd Gilbert said in a statement.

Youngkin also made an appearance in Michigan yesterday to support Republican candidate Tudor Dixon who is running against Gretchen Whitmer.

“Under Big Gretch, families are worse off than they were four years ago.  Schools are worse, crime is up, jobs are down, & people are leaving,” Youngkin said, to which Dixon replied on Twitter: “Thank you Governor @GlennYoungkinfor coming to Michigan & helping us rally the troops to #FireWhitmer. We will turn things around!”