, so most of us are already fully aware of the major auto manufacturers claiming to cease production of all gas-powered vehicles by 2035 (some state they’ll stop sooner than that), right? Well, just the other day, California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, issued the mandate that the state will ban the sales of new-model, gasoline-powered vehicles in 2035, which to me is somewhat redundant, but nonetheless, it’s Gavin Newsom, so …

Anyway, there was an immediate uproar following that statement, as it seems some people mistook that as saying “no more gas-powered vehicles, period.” No, our fearless state leader is simply taking the EV reins by the cables in an attempt to be the leader of the free-of-fossil-fuel world. But just days after making that announcement California was hit with a record-breaking heat wave, putting an immense strain on our power grid. To the rescue again, Newsom quickly made a plea to all California residents to—guess what?—NOT charge their electric vehicles. A few days later, still in the midst of grueling high temperatures, the governor further plead to residents to restrict their use of high-draw appliances … including air conditioning in their homes.

Sure, we are a little over a decade out from that 2035 mandate, but what this not-so-little heat wave in California has shown—not just to this state, but nationwide—is that we’re nowhere near ready to go all electric. Not even close. But maybe there’s a positive side to all this ridiculousness.

I get that there are a number of readers who are in complete disagreement with me on this topic, and that’s completely fine—it is my opinion, though one based on more fact than emotional fiction. But, for those who side with me, maybe we’ve got a little over a decade to prove our so-called archaic point, at least in regard to keeping our hobby and the industry that supports it (and vice-versa) alive and well beyond 2035. Besides, we rely on fossil fuels for a lot more than just the vehicles we drive—and so do many careers that put food on the table and a roof over your head. To me, this is a BIG deal, regardless of how ignorant I may seem to some of you!

Beyond taking a stand for fuel, there are also viable options of hydrogen power and water conversion alternatives. Why aren’t more people pushing for these? We have options, but it seems too many people are pre-sold on the whole “clean” EV transition, which isn’t nearly as clean as they’re all led to believe!

I know this isn’t the first time I’ve spoken out on this topic this year—and it probably won’t be the last. My passion for this hobby is deep, as is my passion for motorcycles. The last thing I want to see is that they get relinquished to weekend-only use, if that. That may seem farfetched, but the way things are going, especially here in California, that day may come sooner than later. I believe there’s still a chance, and time, to save what we all love!