Will Trump Take Away EV Rebates? Plus, ICE Rumors and the New Politics of Wolves

8 snips

Jan 24, 2025

Sam Brasch, CPR’s climate reporter, dives into the rising tide of electric vehicle adoption in Denver amid Trump’s potential cuts to EV rebates. He explores how this political shift might affect the state's love for gas-free cars. The discussion also tackles the reintroduction of gray wolves, highlighting the clashes between ranchers and wildlife advocates. Alongside these hot topics, listeners hear about a new play by Sam's brother and local responses to misinformation around ICE raids.

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ANECDOTE

EVs Getting Cooler

Bree Davies notes that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming cooler and more diverse.
She cites the example of a Republican politician driving an electric Ford Mustang, highlighting changing perceptions.

INSIGHT

No EV Mandate

Sam Brasch explains that President Trump's claim of eliminating an EV mandate is misleading.
No federal mandate exists; Trump's order targets Biden's sales goals and charging station funding.

INSIGHT

Musk's Logic

Elon Musk may support Trump's EV policies because Tesla is more established and profitable than competitors.
Musk believes removing the EV tax credit would disproportionately affect other carmakers.

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As President Trump plots the end of federal subsidies for electric vehicles, Denverites are buying Teslas, Nissan Leafs, Chevy Bolts, and other EVs at record rates. Will Trump’s plans impact our state’s love affair will gas-free cars? Then, voters approved the reintroduction of gray wolves in 2020, but now that 29 wolves are ranging across our state, the program has sparked conflict between ranchers, ecology advocates, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by CPR’s climate reporter Sam Brasch to dig into these stories — plus, an exciting new play at the DCPA, a state budget fight brewing over controversial weight loss drugs, and more wins and fails of the week.

Sam mentioned his brother Jake Brasch’s new play, “The Reservoir,” the new range rider job to help with wolf reintroduction, and this discussion on wolf restoration Feb. 6. Paul talked about the Utah Hockey Club, a local setback for GLP-1 drugs, and the recent parking ticket texting scam. Bree discussed Detour’s new piece at DIA and the Colorado Rapid Response Network’s work to debunk or confirm ICE raid rumors.

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