Some state lawmakers who formerly supported legislation to help Tesla bring in direct sales of its electrical vehicles have soured on the company, thanks to Elon Musk's divisive political activities.
Politico reported Thursday, "In the past, blue state Democrats and environmental groups pushed for allowing Tesla and other electric vehicle makers to set up shop rather than requiring customers to buy online. They saw it as a no-cost measure to support higher EV sales and slash transportation emissions."
Attitudes have changed, however, in statehouses across the country with lawmakers who are vehemently opposed to Musk's growing influence over the Trump administration.
Politico quoted New York state Sen. Pat Fahy (D), who once sponsored legislation to allow Tesla's direct sales model.
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“You could not pay me to carry that bill now," Fahy said. "I’m thoroughly disgusted with Elon Musk and everything he stands for.”
Politico reporter Marie J. French cited the Electrification Coalition, saying that more than 25 states restrict direct sales by electric vehicle makers.
"Allowing direct sales has been a tough political battle even without Musk’s growing profile: Auto dealerships with deep community ties and deep pockets remain tethered to the franchise model and are staunchly opposed to direct sales across the country," French wrote.
Instead of selling through franchises, "Tesla and other EV-only makers want to fully control the sales process, allowing them to set uniform prices and standardize customer service," French reported. "But in several states, franchise laws prevent them from setting up a physical location to sell directly to customers."
Connecticut state Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D) told Politico, “The role that Elon Musk has been taking at the federal level, just ransacking and destroying federal agencies, doing so in a manner where he is rife with conflicts of interest, I think highlights why it’s important to have consumer protection laws to apply to everyone in the market and not to create exceptions for a single company."
The chair of New York state's Environmental Conservation Committee, a Democrat, said lawmakers there are still considering direct EV sales, but acknowledge they face an uphill battle due to Musk's alignment with President Donald Trump.
“I don’t think it helps,” said New York state Sen. Pete Harckham of Musk's activities with the Department of Government Efficiency, adding, “We don’t operate in a vacuum.”