False claims about U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's wealth and the environmental impact of electric cars

SOURCE www.factcheck.org
Social media posts falsely claim that U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a multi-millionaire despite her modest financial disclosures. The claims are baseless and unfounded. Electric cars are indeed better for the environment than gasoline-powered cars over their lifetimes, as they typically release fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Points

  • Ocasio-Cortez reported having $60,000 at most in bank accounts and $50,000 in student loan debt in her 2023 financial disclosure report.
  • Claims suggesting Ocasio-Cortez profited from her time in office are unfounded.
  • Electric cars have a lower environmental impact compared to gasoline-powered cars throughout their lifetimes.

Pros

  • Electric vehicles release fewer greenhouse gas emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles over their lifetimes.
  • Electric cars' carbon footprints are expected to decrease even further in the future.

Cons

  • Baseless claims on social media falsely portray U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a multi-millionaire.