Wisconsin Legislature to approve measures protecting access to gas

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The Wisconsin Legislature is expected to approve bills Wednesday that would protect access to gas-powered vehicles, snow blowers, lawnmowers and other machines.

The Republican-controlled Assembly passed the measures in April, with all Democrats objecting, and the Senate was expected to give final approval on Wednesday. It would then be up to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to sign the bills into law or veto them. He said in April that he didn't believe a ban on gas engines was necessary for the state to slowly transition to electric vehicles, suggesting he may not consider prohibiting such bans necessary either.

The bills seek to outlaw measures similar to a California statute passed last year that requires all new cars, trucks and SUVs sold in the state run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035. Democrats have said they had no plans to pursue a gas-engine ban in Wisconsin and accused the bill sponsors of fear-mongering.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSES BAN ON SALE OF GAS VEHICLES BY 2035

Commuters drive into downtown Madison, Wisconsin, on Jan. 29, 2019. The state Legislature plans to give final approval to a measure protecting access to gas-powered cars. (Lauren Justice for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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The Senate was also expected to vote Wednesday on a bill that would prohibit state and local governments from restricting utility service based on the energy source, such as natural gas.

Republican proponents and other backers, like the state chamber of commerce and energy companies, said the measure was needed to prevent any type of ban in Wisconsin like those discussed in other states. The state of New York will begin prohibiting natural gas stoves and furnaces in most new buildings starting in 2026.

The Environmental group Wisconsin Conservation Voters told lawmakers last month that the measure "is at best a solution in search of a problem" given that no community in Wisconsin or the state itself is attempting to ban any type of fuel.

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