Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown faced backlash after refusing to answer whether he supports the Biden administration’s push to “ban” gas-powered cars. Brown declined to answer the question multiple times in a video posted online, leading to criticism from his opponent, Republican businessman Bernie Moreno. Moreno accused Brown of supporting Joe Biden’s anti-energy agenda and being a green new deal radical. Social media users also weighed in, with some pointing out Brown’s past votes against Biden’s emissions agenda. Despite voting with President Biden nearly 100% of the time, Brown’s stance on the gas car ban remains unclear.
Brown’s spokesperson clarified that the senator does not dictate what type of car individuals should drive but prioritizes supporting Ohio’s auto industry. Brown has stood up to the administration when he believed their policies were harmful to Ohio’s auto industry and is fighting to ban Chinese electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has implemented regulations aimed at curbing gas-powered vehicle emissions, forcing automakers to reduce greenhouse gases from new vehicles starting in 2027. Critics, including American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, argue that the regulations will eliminate most new gas cars and traditional hybrids from the U.S. market in less than a decade.
Brown is currently facing a tough re-election campaign against Moreno in November, with the race being considered a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. Republicans see this as a key opportunity to gain control of the Senate in a state that Trump carried by eight points in 2020. Brown’s voting record, support for green energy initiatives, and approach to the gas car ban are central issues in the campaign. The controversy surrounding Brown’s refusal to answer questions on these topics has received attention from various media outlets and social media users.
Critics of Brown, including Moreno and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, accuse him of aligning with Biden’s green energy agenda, which they believe will harm American manufacturers and benefit China. The debate over the gas car ban and broader environmental regulations is shaping up to be a significant point of contention in the Ohio Senate race. Brown’s reluctance to address questions directly has fueled speculation and criticism from those who believe he is evading the issue. The outcome of the election could potentially impact the future of environmental regulations, energy policies, and the auto industry in Ohio and beyond.
As the race heats up, both candidates are focused on promoting their agendas and contrasting their positions on key issues. Moreno is positioning himself as a proponent of American manufacturing and energy independence, while criticizing Brown for his support of Biden’s policies. Brown, on the other hand, is emphasizing his advocacy for Ohio’s auto industry and defending his record of standing up to the administration when necessary. The Ohio Senate race is attracting national attention as a critical battleground that could determine the balance of power in the Senate. The outcome will likely influence the direction of environmental policies and energy initiatives in the years to come.
