November 03, 2017 11:21 AM UTC

George Brauchler: Make Electric Cars More Expensive!

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

We’re not making that up–flagging GOP gubernatorial candidate George Brauchler really Tweeted his support for making electric cars cost more, qualifier-free–a strange campaign plank to say the least:

House GOP tax bill could make EVs more expensive in a hurry. CO should look to do the same. #EV https://t.co/I80679jhfH pic.twitter.com/0z08B62MlN

— George Brauchler (@GeorgeBrauchler) November 3, 2017

Why on earth would you say something like this? The CNET article Brauchler links to explains:

Right now, buyers of electrified vehicles might be eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. But that could change — and fast — if a new tax bill becomes law.

A new bill proposed by House Republicans could eliminate the federal electric tax credit without any sort of drawdown period, Bloomberg reports. While the credits won’t disappear tomorrow, they might be eliminated after the 2017 tax year if this bill becomes law.

If killing the electric vehicle tax credit sounds like a good idea to you, you most likely work for the fossil fuel industry. For just about everyone else, tax credits to encourage the purchase of zero-emission electric vehicles are a no-brainer. Here in Colorado, we’ve gone even further to help consumers take advantage of these credits at the time of sale rather than having to wait until their next tax filing–which has proven very popular with both car dealers and car buyers.

We assume that’s what Brauchler is complaining about. Shame on you, electric car buyers!

This fumbled talking point is obviously meant to appeal to the oil and gas industry as Brauchler’s campaign continues to struggle. Unfortunately for Brauchler, Walker Stapleton has already locked down the “I’m running to serve the oil and gas industry” slot in this primary. If Brauchler wants to demonstrate he can be a better shill for the industry, he really needs to work on his delivery.

“Vote Brauchler to pay more!” It’s not a winning slogan, folks.