As is currently being reported as breaking news just about everywhere, the Biden administration is imposing EPA restrictions that will basically end the production of new gasoline cars by 2032. Starting in 2027, the permitted emission levels for an automobile manufacturer's product line will get stricter each year until 2032, at which point the entire car portfolio will need to be electric, hybrid, or perhaps hydrogen fuel cell powered to avoid being out of compliance.

Despite these changes likely having no impact on me, I still find them irritating.

Why no impact? Because I haven't purchased a new car since the late 80s. I only buy late model used cars, allowing the original buyer to absorb the 10-20% depreciation the minute it's driven off the lot. Since these EPA restrictions only apply to new cars, I can continue to avoid owning an EV.

So then why do I care? Because it irritates me any time my choices are limited by government interference. I have no problem with encouraging consumer behavior via tax breaks and credits. I've taken advantage of such programs when I needed to replace my tenant's furnace, water heater, etc. choosing to buy high efficiency models to get the extra tax break. But a law that essentially forces me in a specific direction is another story, and raises my big government hackles.

As to ever owning an EV, well I don't see that happening. I currently own 2 cars. A 2010 Subaru Forester as my daily driver, and a 1998 Mustang SVT Cobra convertible for my nice weather toy. The pleasure one derives from driving the Mustang is not limited to its acceleration. Hell, EVs are faster. Rather it's the totality of the experience: the deep, throaty sound of the exhaust, the pleasure of up and downshifting the manual transmission as you whip around turns. None of this is present in the sportiest EV.

So fuck the EPA. I will stick with what I like.