Kamala Harris is accused of trying to limit Americans’ choices regarding vehicles and household appliances. At a recent rally in Michigan, she stated, “I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive,” which critics argue reflects two common issues among Democrats: malinformation (lack of context) and misinformation (falsehoods).

A significant part of Harris’s platform involves addressing climate change through alterations in infrastructure, consumer goods, and lifestyle choices. This year, the Biden-Harris administration has continued to push for regulations aimed at reducing the variety of cars and appliances available to consumers. While Harris claims to support consumer choice, critics suggest that her version of choice comes with restrictions based on her approval.

During her time as a senator, Harris co-sponsored the Senate version of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal, believing that implementing regulations to reduce emissions was crucial enough to advocate for ending the filibuster. She also co-sponsored the Zero Emissions Vehicles Act, which aims to ensure that all cars sold by 2040 are electric or zero-emissions. Additionally, during her 2019 presidential campaign, she proposed a plan to phase out new gas-powered vehicles even earlier, by 2035.

In April 2023, the Biden-Harris administration introduced regulations aimed at making electric vehicles (EVs) represent about 67% of all new car sales by 2032—just eight years away. After facing pushback from various sectors and regions, the EPA finalized rules on March 20, 2023, requiring that between 31% and 44% of new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks manufactured by 2027 be electric, with the exact percentage dependent on emissions from other vehicles. By 2032, at least 56% of new car sales must be EVs, along with at least 13% being hybrids, leaving a maximum of 31% for gasoline-powered vehicles.

As of 2023, EVs only made up 7.6% of new car sales. This limited adoption is attributed to consumer hesitations despite government incentives and pressure. Many people find EVs to have a restricted driving range, especially in cold weather, and charging can be time-consuming, posing challenges for apartment dwellers. Additionally, EVs tend to be more expensive. Concerns are also growing about their environmental impact as the demand for electricity increases to meet these mandates, as well as the issues surrounding lithium-ion battery disposal. Furthermore, there are doubts about the U.S. maintaining adequate energy generation capacity without risking brownouts or blackouts.

The push for EVs may also threaten national security by shifting reliance from fossil fuels, where the U.S. currently leads, to minerals sourced mainly from China. This could result in American jobs and profits being redirected to Chinese manufacturers, who dominate the EV market.

Energy expert Mark P. Mills warns that the current and planned global mining operations can only meet a fraction of the demand for various minerals needed to fulfill ambitious EV goals. The UN Trade and Development Agency has also indicated potential shortages of lithium, cobalt, and copper if the push for EV mandates continues unchecked.

Consumer sentiment toward electric vehicles (EVs) is evident in two key statistics. As noted by *Fortune*, “no one wants to buy used EVs,” which significantly impacts their resale value. Additionally, EVs are among the least likely vehicles to be stolen. Major automakers are revising their EV production targets downward, and earlier this year, Hertz announced it would be disposing of a third of its nearly new EV fleet. The 2024 Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Study revealed that EVs have never gained much popularity, with a 9% increase in the preference for gasoline-powered cars. A Gallup survey from April showed a 10-point rise among Democrats, who stated they would never consider purchasing an EV, compared to the previous year.

Kamala Harris not only aims to restrict Americans’ choices regarding gas-powered vehicles and most hybrids, but she also endorses the Green New Deal’s goal of banning home appliances that fail to meet strict emissions standards. The Biden-Harris administration has already attempted to remove many home dishwashers, heaters, air conditioners, and gas stoves from the market. A federal appeals court recently overturned a Department of Energy regulation targeting dishwashers.

In May, the House passed the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act with bipartisan support. This legislation seeks to prevent the administration from prohibiting natural gas-powered appliances.

So, when Kamala Harris claims she won’t dictate your purchasing decisions, remember that her policies may leave you with very limited options, essentially forcing you into a choice of underperforming alternatives.