Sanford Bishop: “Electric vehicles produce no carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions when driving, and they create a healthy…”

“Electric vehicles produce no carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions when driving, and they create a healthy environment for all Americans by reducing air pollution. Electric vehicles require less fluids and lubricants, which keeps our drinking water cleaner. Why would anyone object to having cleaner air or cleaner water for our children and our grandchildren? This amendment doesn't save the American taxpayer any money because it prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from purchasing electric vehicles that will reduce fuel costs for the Department of Agriculture. It is estimated that by 2035, most of the world's automakers will offer nothing but electric vehicles. While that is 12 years away, there is no reason to prohibit the Department of Agriculture from replacing retiring vehicles with electric vehicles to build our fleet for the future. We are all witnessing the impacts of climate change through drought and extreme weather events. Let's not prevent any steps that would help us address climate change. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 2340”