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These laws are clearly counter-productive and a case of "missing the forest for the trees". The easiest way to reduce demand for petroleum cars, is not to target the petroleum, but to target the cars.
The discussion has to begin with overturning obvious loopholes. The zero cost changes include:
Remove the "light truck" exception. All cars smaller than a semi/ RV must meet the same emissions requirements.
Allow 'electric subsidies' to be used for all electric vehicles. Including e-bikes & e-scooters.
Allow all hybrids of a certain range to be eligible for electric subsidies. (It can be as simple as extra tariffs not applying, or using median-emission numbers to apply tariffs)
Universal removal of zoning regulations within walking distance of transit centers
When it comes to things that cost $$, Infrastructure investments are simply more effective than 1 time car subsidies. The electric car subsidies would soon reach the 100s of billions if we keep seeing electric car adoption.
Indirect dis-incentivization can also be done through long overdue good-faith mechanisms.
Road safety regulations must include safety outcomes for all people involved in a collision. Including pedestrians and the secondary vehicle.
Liability coverage should be mandatory nationally, and cover all costs medical or otherwise for those in the car crash.
There is so much that can be done, before draconian 'petrol cars are illegal' laws ever have to be passed.
Yes ! It is hard to tell what the true cause of this is. (lobbyists ?) But it is seems to pervade all American society.
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