Ohio, the state where a river caught fire at least 12 times, just voted to protect oil
The Ohio House has voted on a bill to ensure that the state cannot ban gas-powered vehicles, protecting pollution in a state that has one of the worst environmental legacies in the US.
One of the biggest environmental stories in the history of the US was when the Cuyahoga river, which runs through Akron and Cleveland, caught fire in 1969 when an oil slick on the water was set ablaze, damaging a railroad bridge.
The fire made headlines and news spread across the country, and the story in some ways sparked the national environmental movement. But that’s not the only time the river caught fire – it burned at least a dozen times before that, due to constant oil slicks on the river.
Despite that wake-up call, things haven’t improved much for Ohio since then. The state ranks 46th in air pollution and 48th in toxic pollutants, and 42nd place in life expectancy, its residents dying more than 4 years earlier than those of California, New York and Hawaii.
And now, Ohio House republicans are expanding on that terrible environmental legacy by passing a bill that ensures the state won’t ban gas-powered vehicles, which are broadly responsible for poor air quality and significant health harms across the US. The bill specifically stops Ohio from adopting California’s “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation, or any regulation which would be stronger than federal standards, even though nobody was proposing adoption of those standards. It passed 70-23, with all 65 republicans and 5 Democrats voting in favor.
As is common with republican policymaking, the bill does not have a lot of substance to it. The relevant section is only 10 lines long, and does not make any attempt to lay out the reasons or backing for its existence (compare to California’s thousands of pages of scientific documents and analysis backing its regulation).
The bill’s reasoning is backwards
The best “reasoning” we can find are a series of quotes from state republicans, quoted by WOUB, Ohio University’s public broadcaster.
One particularly ridiculous quote is from Representative Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), who says EVs would “socialize the price of recharging an EV while keeping the benefits private.” This runs counter to reality, where in actual fact, gas-powered vehicles impose significant health costs which are not paid for by the private car users burning that gasoline.
These socialized costs of gasoline total up to $7 trillion globally over the course of a year, and $760 billion in the US alone – costs which Seitz wants you to keep paying in the form of health bills forced on you by the poisonous fossil fuels he’s voted to support.
Seitz was also a co-sponsor of Ohio’s House Bill 6. Described as the “worst energy bill of the 21st century,” it raised energy prices to pay for a corrupt bailout of energy companies. It was passed after bribes to state republicans and led to a racketeering conviction for republican former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder. That bill extended subsidies to coal plants which continue to cost Ohioans hundreds of millions of dollars, socializing the costs of dirty pollution on both the front end through direct subsidy and the back end through higher health costs. So we hardly think that Seitz is genuinely interested in reducing costs to Ohioans.
What happens next
Ohio is not content to harm its own residents’ health, it’s also trying to harm the health of those outside of Ohio. In September, Ohio republicans championed a bill which passed in the US House of Representatives which would force California to have worse pollution standards. But that bill didn’t go anywhere – Senate Democrats, and President Joe Biden, aren’t outwardly hostile to human life like republicans are, and were not interested in passing such legislation.
But the Ohio bill might actually make progress, particularly due to Ohio’s unconstitutionally-gerrymandered district maps which give the environment-hostile republican party large majorities in its statehouse. It moves on to the state Senate next, and if it passes through the Senate, on to republican Governor DeWine’s desk.
But in the end, this bill probably won’t do much. The state wasn’t planning to adopt California’s regulations anyway, so this is just an example of Ohio House republicans showing everyone who they are. Whenever they’re given a chance – even when it’s not even a question anyone is asking – they’ll side against people and in favor of pollution. We’ve seen this before from the national republican party, too – it’s kind of a pattern.
What the bill might do, though, is signal to EV companies that their investment dollars are not welcome in Ohio. There are currently hundreds of billions of dollars being invested across the country into green jobs. Ohio has already seen some of that money, with Honda investing over $4 billion in the state to build up EV jobs, and is moving forward with installing DC fast chargers with federal money, despite being an EV laggard (perhaps due to one of the highest dumb EV fees in the nation, at $200/year).
Actions like this could make the state less attractive for future investment, as we’ve noted about other states’ anti-EV efforts. This was pointed out by Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo), who said “it signals those who want to invest their valuable dollars in clean energy and electric vehicle development that Ohio is not welcome to those investments. We should instead be taking steps to make sure Ohio is a more attractive state for clean energy job creation.”
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Toyota’s new electric SUV is a surprise hit in China. Starting at just $15,000, the Toyota bZ3X is already the top-selling joint venture brand EV.
The $15,000 Toyota bZ3X is the top-selling foreign EV
After launching the bZ3X in March, Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, claimed that orders were “so popular that the server crashed.” It apparently secured over 10,000 orders in the first hour.
In its second month on the market, the bZ3X was the top-selling foreign-owned vehicle in China, beating out the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 Crozz, Nissan N7, and BMW i3.
According to the latest update, the electric SUV retained the title once again in June. Peng Baolin, General Manager of Sales at GAC-Toyota, revealed on social media that the “delivery volume of Bozhi 3X in June reached 6,030 units.”
GAC Toyota announced on Weibo that cumulative deliveries have now exceeded 20,000 units, setting a new record for the fastest joint venture electric SUV sales to achieve the feat.
The company also claimed that the bZ3X “has the highest sales of new energy vehicles” among joint venture brands right now.
The bZ3X is Toyota’s “first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV.” It’s available in seven different trims, starting at 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000.
Two variants have an added LiDAR, making Toyota the first joint venture brand to offer it in China. The smart driving version starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500). For 159,800 yuan ($22,000), you can upgrade to the range-topping “610 Max” trim.
Powered by a 67.92 kWh battery, the long-range model is rated with a CLTC range of up to 610 km (379 miles). The base “Air” trim features a 50.03 kWh battery, good for a 430 km (267 miles) range.
The bZ3X measures 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, or about the size of BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (sold overseas as the Atto 3).
Inside is a significant upgrade from most Toyota models we are used to seeing. It features a tech-focused interior with a 12.3″ infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display.
Toyota markets it as an affordable family SUV with “a mobile space that is as comfortable as home.” With all the seats folded, the interior offers nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.
It’s also powered by Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, offering advanced smart driving features such as Level 2 assisted driving, remote parking, and more.
Electrek’s Take
Although it may not seem like much with Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi securing nearly 300,000 orders for the YU7 SUV in an hour, the bZ3X is selling surprisingly well for a foreign brand vehicle.
Global automakers are struggling to keep pace in China with an influx of new low-cost domestic EVs and an intensifying price war. However, Japanese automakers, including Toyota, have been some of the hardest hit.
During GAC Toyota’s Tech Day event last month, the company announced partnerships with China’s leading tech companies, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, as it seeks to regain market share.
Ahead of the event, the company posted on Weibo that “god-level allies are coming to help,” adding “car industry bigwigs are coming.
Through May, Toyota’s sales in China are up 7.7% from the same period last year, with 530,000 vehicles sold. Will Toyota continue gaining traction in the world’s largest EV market? With the bZ5 now rolling out and several new models on the way, Toyota is looking for a comeback.
Source: Sohu, GAC-Toyota
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If you’re planning a summer camping trip or backyard cookout, or just want to be prepared for future blackouts, BLUETTI has you covered this Prime Day with up to 65% off portable power stations. And two standout models are turning heads: the all-new Elite 100 V2 and the powerhouse Elite 200 V2.
Electrek readers get an exclusive extra 5% off sitewide with the promo code ELECTREK5OFF, but act fast! These fantastic Prime Day deals only run until July 11.
Compact powerhouse: Elite 100 V2 (now in pre-order!)
Meet the newly launched Elite 100 V2 – BLUETTI’s latest iteration of the AC180 portable power station that packs serious performance in a smaller frame. It’s about 30% smaller than the AC180 yet still delivers a mighty 1,800W output and 3,600W surge capacity. That’s more than enough to handle your coffee maker, induction cooktop, and even a portable AC unit.
With 11 versatile outlets and 1,000W solar input, this little powerhouse is perfect for camping trips, picnics, tailgates, or short-term home backup. It recharges in as little as 70 minutes, making it ideal for quick outdoor stops or unexpected power cuts.
The Elite 100 V2 is available now for pre-order at the early-bird price of $399 plus an extra 5% off on Amazon and at Bluetti’s official store.
The backyard hero: Elite 200 V2 for just $699 (52% off!)
This one’s a total game-changer. With a massive 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W output (3,900W surge), the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 powers everything from electric grills and coffee makers to portable fridges and full camping kitchens. It’s great for family cookouts, rooftop movie nights, or camping with serious gear.
The best part? It runs at just 16dB, which is whisper quiet. And inside is a true EV-grade battery with a whopping 17-year lifespan. That’s power you can count on for the long haul.
The Elite 200 V2 is down to just $699 for Prime Day – that’s 59% off and the lowest price ever(!) on Amazon and at BLUETTI’s official store.
More Prime Day BLUETTI power deals until July 11
BLUETTI is going big this year with deep discounts across the board. Here are some more hot picks:
- AC70: Ultra-portable 768Wh station ideal for weekend outings, charging phones, laptops, and drones. $299 (50% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
- AC2A: Lightweight 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs, perfect for on-the-go charging essentials. $139 (37% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
- AC200L: 2,048Wh unit built for rooftop movie nights or long backyard parties, expandable to 7.6kWh. $899 (44% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
- AC300 + B300K: Modular home battery backup with 3,000W output and expandable capacity up to 22kWh $1,299 (48% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
- AC500 + B300K: High-capacity 5,000W home backup system designed for larger families and serious outage prep. $1,699 (43% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
Whether you need portable power for camping (Elite 100 V2) or a versatile 2kWh powerhouse for multiple uses (Elite 200 V2), or serious home battery backup (AC300 or AC500), there’s a perfect BLUETTI deal for you.
Price protection and bonus savings
Worried about buying early? Don’t be. BLUETTI is offering price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, they’ll refund the difference. And don’t forget to use promo code ELECTREK5OFF for an extra 5% off sitewide.
Summer adventures, blackouts, or weekend tailgates – whatever power solution you need, BLUETTI has a product to match. But act fast: these Prime Day deals end July 11.
About BLUETTI
BLUETTI is a committed advocate for sustainability, embedding ESG principles into product design and corporate initiatives. Through programs like LAAF (Light An African Family), it delivers affordable, sustainable energy to African communities. Partnering with Leave No Trace and the Footprint Project (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), BLUETTI supports responsible outdoor recreation and disaster relief with clean energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. This blend of quality, reliability, and practical focus has earned trust in over 110 countries and regions.
Follow BLUETTI on Twitter/X here and on Facebook here.
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Elon Musk told Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, to ‘shut up’ and the reason why is absolutely ridiculous.
Dan Ives is one of the biggest pushers of Tesla’s stock on Wall Street. The Wedbush analyst can often bee seen on CNBC praising Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.
He has one of the highest price targets on Tesla on Wall Street with $500 price per share.
After Tesla’s deliveries came way under his expectations and down 13% year-over-year in the first quarter, he reiterated his price target, which would value Tesla at over $1.5 trillion.
That’s even though Tesla’s net earnings have steadily declined over the last 2 years, and it is on track to start losing money within the next year.
Ives’ faith in Tesla stock is solely based on Musk and his promises of self-driving vehicles and robots. Just last month, he said that “Musk is the best asset of Tesla. We see him as CEO until 2030.”
You would think that Musk would like this guy, but no.
Ives took to X today to suggest that Tesla’s board should give Musk a new pay package giving him 25% control over the company.
If that were to be given through more stock options, it would virtually double his stake in Tesla and represent a $200 billion payday for Musk. In exchange, Ives is only suggesting that Musk, who runs several other companies and projects, should commit to spending a certain amount of time at Tesla and that the board has oversight on his involvement in politics.
In response to the analyst, who is one of Musk’s biggest fans and is suggesting Tesla gives him $200 billion, Musk told him to “shut up”:
Musk is seen as having complete control over Tesla’s board, which led to the rescinding of his 2018 CEO compensation package. One of the points that the judge brought up was that Tesla never even negotiated with Musk about committing his time at Tesla as part of the compensation package despite knowing the CEO already had roles at several other companies.
Now, Musk is also launching his own political party, in addition to his roles at SpaceX, X, xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.
Electrek’s Take
Even Dan, who is a complete Musk sycophant, is not a big enough sycophant for Musk.
How do you tell a guy suggesting Tesla give you $200 billion to “shut up” just because he added some very mild conditions? What’s his thinking here? How dare he ask the board to do its job and supervise me? Doesn’t he know that I own the board?
The remarkable thing is that you know Musk could easily circumvent any conditions imposed by the board, and the mere fact that those conditions would have been in the contract could have helped it avoid being rescinded in the first place.
Musk’s behavior makes no sense. Honestly, he appears to be increasingly disconnected from reality.
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