What’s Behind the Push for Electric Cars

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/19/opinion/electric-cars.html

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To the Editor:

Re “U.S. Auto Giants Stake a Claim to a Future With Less Gasoline” (front page, Oct. 3):

That American auto giants have decided to increase electric vehicle manufacturing even as the Trump administration slashes regulations and ignores science looks like a victory for free market demand. It is not. American automakers’ electric vehicle announcements are a response to regulations — just not American regulations. In this case, G.M. and Ford are responding to stricter Chinese and European emissions standards.

In our global economy, America’s failure to adequately regulate industry, acknowledge truth or act as a responsible participant on the world stage does not build the United States’ bottom line or benefit our businesses. Instead, it just minimizes America’s influence in the world. The United States is handing the future to Europe and China on a gold-encrusted Mar-a-Lago platter.

SAM ROCKWELL, MINNEAPOLIS