Hop on any social media platform, and you’ve likely seen comments suggesting that the Biden Administration is not only responsible for high gas prices, but that the president, in fact, encourages them, much to the detriment of American citizens. What felt like some Bizarro World-conspiracy theory seemed to be made credible due to remarks President Biden made on Monday at a Quad Summit in Japan.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Biden were giving a joint press conference when Biden made his comment: ” . . . When it comes to the gas prices, we’re going through an incredible transition that is taking place that, God willing, when it’s over, we’ll be stronger and the world will be stronger and less reliant on fossil fuels when this is over.”
Biden’s comments not only seemed to verify those conspiracy theories racing around the internet, but they seemed to be a praise of record gas prices. These prices are not only hurting Americans as they try to travel to work or school, but they’ll likely cut into the hospitality industry during the summer. In addition, Americans will pay even higher prices at the grocery store for necessities due to historic prices for diesel.
Americans are getting a one-two punch at the gas pump, then they pay more for everyday essentials. Critics of President Joe Biden’s remarks described them as “tone deaf.”
Americans have long suspected – and many have said aloud – that the end goal is to push Americans to purchase electric vehicles. However, those who start crunching numbers often realize that there aren’t numerous savings to be had, particularly if consumers want an electric car with a few bells and whistles.
One of the cheapest EVs is the Nissan LEAF, listing for just over $24,000. (This price doesn’t include a destination fee, but the LEAF IS eligible for a $7,500 tax credit.) The LEAF can be had as a hatchback, and it can seat four adults comfortably. However, this may not work for larger families or for families who haul a lot of gear for sporting events or other activities.
Tesla EVs are not eligible for the federal tax credit. The price range of the Tesla ultimately depends on which model a customer selects, but drivers can expect to pay from $50,000 to $100,000 for a Tesla EV.
Another consideration for customers is the cost of charging the EV, regardless of its make or model. Some energy officials in California have already warned residents that rolling blackouts could affect EV owners’ ability to charge their vehicles. This must also be factored into the cost of owning an EV. One governmental agency has released a warning that the West Coast is at a high risk of seeing summer blackouts.
Biden’s remarks come at a time when the United States has seen eleven straight days of record high gas prices. On Tuesday, the national average of one gallon of gas is $4.59.
In California, the average price for one gallon of gas is $6.06.
After Biden’s initial remarks, he began to list ways his administration had attempted to help lower fuel prices. The White House authorized the release of 1 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Reserve. While the move did bring down the price of gas by a few cents per gallon, overall, gas has increased by at least 40 cents per gallon since March.
Some blame this on the stock market as well. In times when oil seems scarce and in high demand at the same time, the futures will begin selling barrels for much more than $100 per barrel. In March, barrels for May sold at $130 per barrel.
Republican lawmakers are tweeting about Biden’s comments, saying, “(Biden) is saying the quiet part out loud now.” Even Steve Scalise (R-LA) says that the surge in gas prices is part of a radical Democratic agenda.
The Green New Deal was not popular with Americans, and it was not able to pass through Congress although the Democrats hold a slight majority. Is it possible this was the plan all along?
