Critics of TCI warn the program will lead to massive fuel shortages and long gas lines ahead

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Critics say a regional plan to cut carbon emissions will lead to fuel shortages and long lines at the pump within two years, unless the Bay Staters start trading their gasoline cars against electric vehicles by the thousands.

“For TCI to meet its environmental goals, it must limit the supply of gasoline and diesel fuel in Massachusetts, which will lead to increased costs and shortages. To the average driver, this will either look like a very high gasoline tax or no gasoline at the pump, said Paul D. Craney, spokesperson for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation.

Governor Charlie Baker-backed cap-and-trade program says it will cut carbon emissions by 26% by 2032 by capping the total pollution allowed by gasoline and diesel vehicles. Proceeds from a limited number of permits purchased by companies that exceed their cap would finance green transport and climate-resilient infrastructure.

It is designed to accelerate the transition from fossil fuel-based transportation to greener alternatives like electric cars and buses.

To meet these goals, David Chu, vice president of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, predicted that Massachusetts would need to reduce its fuel consumption by 52 million gallons by 2025. That translates to 80,000 fewer gasoline cars. on the road – vehicles that will either switch to electricity or do without gas.

“Everyone knows about the shortages caused by COVID. There was toilet paper, cleaning supplies, people rushed to the stores, the shelves were empty, prices skyrocketed, and people couldn’t find the product. This is the kind of thing we foresee for TCI if the decrease in the amount of fuel that can be sold is not offset by an increase in sales (of electric vehicles), ”said Chu.

In 2020, only 2,000 electric vehicles were sold in Massachusetts, according to Mass Fiscal. To avoid gas shortages by 2025, the state will have to sell 2,000 each month from July.

But Craney said it’s a growing problem that will leave drivers wanting more at the pump.

Herald wire services contributed to this report.

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