Poll: Washington state residents generally opposed to gas-car ban

A recent poll has shown that Washington residents have “mixed feelings” about a proposed gas-car ban, with many strongly opposing it.

Gov. Jay Inslee said that this legislation represented a “critical milestone” in the climate change fight. Gas car sales will be banned by 2035 under the legislation.

Just under half of those polled, 48%, said they are against the proposed ban, while 38% support it and 16% remain on-the-fence about it. Responses generally followed party affiliation.

65 percent of Democrats said they support the ban, while 21% opposed it. About 78% of Republican and 58% of independent respondents said they were against the ban.

The poll, which was sponsored by The Seattle Times and partners, included responses from 875 adults in Washington state.

Respondents were asked whether they “support or oppose the state of Washington banning the sale of new gas-powered automobiles by 2035 to reduce carbon emissions.”

Despite the mixed response, demand for electric vehicles in Washington state remains high.

Brian Kelly, who is a Volkswagen electric vehicle specialist, said he receives over 20 requests a month from people looking to take a test drive. Kelly also confirmed that 300 people are awaiting the delivery of their new electric car to his showroom.

As demand far outweighs supply, Volkswagen and other automakers are continuing to increase their production of electric vehicles.

“The biggest negative to people has been the wait,” Kelly said, noting that customers have been waiting up to 15 months for an electric car from Germany.