Vice President Kamala Harris, now officially the Democratic presidential nominee, announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be her running mate. Walz, a strong advocate for electric vehicles (EVs), is expected to bolster the Democratic agenda on climate policies if Harris wins the election in November.
In 2021, Walz led Minnesota to adopt California’s stringent tailpipe emissions standards, making it the first Midwestern state and one of 17 states to implement these standards. His efforts have been pivotal in advancing the state’s clean energy initiatives.
“Minnesotans certainly know that old adage, ‘You need to skate where the puck is going to be,'” Walz said. “The puck is going to be in EVs. And that is irrefutable.”
Despite facing significant opposition, including a major legal challenge from auto dealers, Walz’s “clean car” rules came into effect in January this year. These rules aim to increase the share of electric cars in Minnesota to 20% by 2030. The Minnesota Auto Dealers Association’s lawsuit against the rules was ultimately unsuccessful, as the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the EV regulations.
As Harris’s running mate, Walz will need to defend not only Minnesota’s EV policies but also the broader climate initiatives of the current administration, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These policies have injected billions of dollars into the U.S. auto industry, facilitating the localization of EV and battery production and the development of critical infrastructure like charging stations.
Former President Donald Trump, who opposes EV incentives and advocates for increased oil drilling, has a contrasting vision for the future of America’s transportation sector. The EPA has reported that the transportation sector accounts for nearly 30% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the scientific community largely agrees that EVs are essential for reducing these emissions.
The auto industry is keenly watching the election, seeking regulatory certainty to ensure that years of investment and development in EV technology are not jeopardized. Harris’s exact policies on EVs remain detailed, but her choice of Walz underscores a commitment to advancing the country’s climate agenda by promoting electric vehicles.
