Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown faced backlash after refusing to answer questions about his support for the Biden administration’s push to “ban” gas-powered cars. In a video posted online, Brown was repeatedly asked if he supported the EPA’s decision to ban gas cars, but he declined to answer each time. His opponent, Republican businessman Bernie Moreno, criticized Brown for supporting green energy schemes that burden Ohioans with higher prices and cripple the energy sector. Moreno accused Brown of being a “green new deal radical” who wants to crush American autoworkers and hand the industry to China.
Criticism also came from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which accused Brown and Biden of wanting to overhaul the American economy to appease the far-left base. Social media users, including Donald Trump Jr., chimed in on the controversy, with some pointing out that Brown has voted against Biden’s emissions agenda in the past and pushed back against Biden’s EPA. Despite the backlash, Brown has voted with President Biden nearly 100% of the time and confirmed 99% of his nominees. A spokesperson for Brown stated that he doesn’t tell anyone what kind of car to drive but is focused on having more cars made in Ohio by autoworkers at middle-class wages.
The Biden administration recently finalized environmental regulations curbing gas-powered vehicle tailpipe emissions as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming. Under the plan, automakers will need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter from new vehicles starting with model year 2027. The move has drawn criticism from industry leaders, who argue that it will eliminate most new gas cars and traditional hybrids from the US market in less than a decade. Brown is facing a tough re-election contest against Moreno in November in a race that the Cook Political Report ranks as a toss-up and could determine control of the Senate.
Reagan McCarthy, Moreno’s communications director, accused Brown of supporting Biden’s anti-energy agenda and running from his record on green energy. Moreno posted the exchange on social media, claiming that Brown is a “green new deal radical.” The National Republican Senatorial Committee criticized Brown and Biden for their green energy agenda, which they argue is enriching China and hurting American manufacturers. Despite the backlash, Brown’s spokesperson emphasized his support for autoworkers making middle-class wages in Ohio and his opposition to banning gas cars. Brown’s voting record shows that he has largely supported President Biden’s agenda, despite some pushback on specific issues.
The controversy surrounding Brown underscores the broader debate over energy policy and environmental regulations in the US. Critics argue that the Biden administration’s push to curb gas-powered vehicle emissions will have negative effects on the economy and American workers. The issue has become a focal point in the Ohio Senate race, where Brown’s stance on energy and environmental issues has come under scrutiny. With the election approaching, both candidates are facing scrutiny over their positions on these critical issues. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the future of energy and environmental policy in the US.
