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32 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 30, 2023 OTHER VOICES Take it from the economists — CT's electric vehicle policy is common sense By Gary Yohe and Roger Kuhns C onnecticut's proposed adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) standard has spawned a large amount of debate. As academic economists and scientists, it's our responsibility to fact-check and bring clarity to the conversa- tion, so policymakers can make informed decisions that affect the future of our lives, economy and planet. First, it's important to note that ACCII does not take away anybody's car. It establishes a gradual, ramping transition period that requires automakers to sell an incrementally higher percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year. Its regulations apply only to the sale of new cars by their original manu- facturers; it does not apply directly to dealers, distributors or buyers. Gas cars will not disappear from lots — they will remain on the primary market through 2035, and on the secondary market for decades after that. Connecticut is not acting alone. We are joining Washington, Oregon, California, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and Virginia as formal adopters of ACCII, even as Colorado, New Mexico, Maine, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Dela- ware and the District of Columbia are working through their own adoption processes. ACCII is designed to meet the market where it's headed, and auto- makers are already on board — at least 10 different automakers have committed to totally phasing out gas cars, with GM, Volkswagen, Volvo and Mercedes promising a full transi- tion between 2030 and 2035. Meeting the infrastructure needs of EVs is a challenge in the short run, but the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is already funding necessary infrastructure investment. More than $7.5 billion has been made available for charging-station build out, adding thousands of new sites across the country. Meanwhile, adopting ACCII will boost investor confidence and spur further capital- ization and innovation in EV charging technology, grid infrastructure and renewable energy. While producing EV batteries does Opinion & Commentary Member FDIC NMLS ID: 510148 nwcommunitybank.com Avon | Granby | Simsbury | New Hartford | Torrington | Winsted Northwestern Regional High School Academic Branch, Winsted collinsvillebank.com Collinsville | Canton | Farmington litchfieldbancorp.com Litchfield | Torrington | Lakeville | Watertown Are your risk management safeguards up to par? Business risks – financial, operational and reputational – challenge and concern us every day. To address those risks, we have various treasury management services and security features to help. To review how you are managing your capital or discuss your interest in strengthening your controls and efficiency, talk to us about your needs. Call Shanelle King at 860.394.2304 (x3040) to see how we can assist you.. Shanelle King Vice President, Treasury Management PHOTO | ADOBESTOCK Roger Kuhns Gary Yohe