Ƶ must take lead on
protecting energy choices
In recent years, California and other states, as well as Washington, D.C., have proposed electric vehicle mandates to reduce tailpipe emissions. These misguided policies not only skew the market, picking winners and losers, but also increase our reliance on China, a top supplier of EV processing minerals like lithium and cobalt.
Rolling back these harmful provisions must remain a priority for state and federal leaders. Ceding control to Chinese supply chains could undermine U.S. energy security for years to come.
The U.S. continues to make progress on reducing tailpipe emissions thanks to advances in cleaner fuels and vehicle technology, with new cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses running about 99% cleaner than models produced in 1970. Even as vehicle miles traveled have nearly tripled, emissions have decreased.
EV mandates also hurt consumers. Families, farmers and small business owners should not shoulder the burden of higher costs associated with EV mandates. West Virginians should be able to choose how to heat their own homes and what kind of vehicles they drive.
Passing vehicle choice legislation in West Virginia will ensure consumers stay in the driverƵs seat.
Delegate Jared Cannon
Hurricane, W.Va
Legislature disenfranchises ranked-choice voting
For over a century U.S. and other countries employ ranked-choice voting (RCV). It furnishes reliable method for determining majority. RCV removes toxicity from politics by incentivizing moderation. Ƶ Ritchie Torres observes, ƵWith RCV, every vote matters more than ever before, and it matters to every single candidate.Ƶ
Yet, the West Virginia Legislature proclaims to know otherwise. Senate Bill 490 bans RCV in a vote of 31-2 with one absentee. House of Delegates also bans RCV in vote of 87-9 with four absences. West Virginia legislation mandates elections belong to politicians, not voters.
RCVƵs threat to current political power becomes too much. The Legislature denies old maxim of Ƶall things in moderation, including moderation.Ƶ Legislators so fear electorate that theyƵve taken preemptive action. TheyƵve worked to disenfranchise ranked-choice voting not even being used in the state.
Roger Combs
Ona
The land of milk and honey
Hello, friends. Are you one of those people who depend on a Social Security check every month? Sure, you paid into the system for years, but what are you going to do with that money? Buy groceries? Pay bills? Pay off mounting medical debts?
Why join the growing trend that is sweeping America today and give your Social Security to billionaires? Yes, billionaires! After all, from their fancy clothes to their condescending attitude, they are obliviously better than us. Why, they send their children to expensive schools where they donƵt even care about football. And they make things happen.
I know I havenƵt had much sleep since they took over the country. And itƵs the American way. Why, this country was founded by rich white men who owned slaves. Maybe a billionaire will let you work for them for free and keep you in a shack behind their fabulous mansion! And itƵs inevitable. They already own the lawyers, judges and anyone with a shred of decency who could stop them. So why not go down to your local Social Security office and fill out the paperwork, if you can find anyone left down there, and hand your check over to billionaires. Remember, theyƵre better than us and good for America!
R.W. Russell
Ceredo
