Current:Home > MarketsMaine to decide on stricter electric vehicle standards -CapitalCourse
Maine to decide on stricter electric vehicle standards
Burley Garcia View
Date:2025-04-09 10:04:13
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine environmental regulators are set to decide whether the state will join a growing number of states adopting new standards designed to grow the use of electric vehicles.
The rules, which originated in California, would require an increasing percentage of new light-duty vehicles to be zero emission vehicles every year. The new standards would start with 51% in 2028 and grow to 82% by 2032.
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection is set to vote on the proposal Wednesday in a vote that has been anticipated for weeks. The proposal has encountered a mixed reception in Maine, where some have said it would speed up the already-growing adoption of electric vehicles.
“Consumers in Maine are already rapidly adopting electric vehicles,” said Sarah Krame, staff attorney with Sierra Club Environmental Law Program, in testimony. “Demand is so strong that lack of supply has been a major constraint on Maine residents looking to purchase EVs, with waitlists several months long for certain models.”
Opponents of the proposal, including prominent state Republicans, have described the move as wrong for the state’s economy and geography, and said it would heap costs onto consumers.
“Extremists seem to think that only 6% of consumers want EVs because the government hasn’t forced them to buy one. The truth is this plan isn’t feasible because of Maine’s geography and infrastructure,” said House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham late last year.
A dozen states have adopted the electric vehicle standards, and 17 states have adopted all or part of California’s low-emission and zero-emission vehicle regulations, according to the California Air Resources Board. The proposals have found support in Democratically-controlled states.
Meanwhile, sales of electric vehicles have begun to slow. The Biden administration announced new emissions standards on Wednesday that could boost the industry.
Transportation is a major contributor to Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions, and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has made tackling climate change a major piece of her tenure.
The state received hundreds of comments about the electric vehicle proposal in advance of Wednesday’s meeting. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group that represents car manufacturers, testified in support of the proposal.
The proposal might still need to clear more hurdles, as state lawmakers are considering legislation that could allow them to ultimately make the final decision.
veryGood! (97)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- What to know about Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial so far, and what’s ahead
- Alix Earle Makes Quick Outfit Change in the Back of an Uber for New York Fashion Week Events
- Special grand jury report that aided Georgia probe leading to Trump’s indictment is set for release
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Baltimore school police officer indicted on overtime fraud charges
- Death of Indianapolis murder convict at Indiana prison investigated as homicide, police say
- Julie and Todd Chrisley to Be Released From Prison Earlier Than Expected
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Winners, losers of Lions' upset of Chiefs: Kadarius Toney's drops among many key miscues
Ranking
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Maria Sharapova’s Guide to the US Open: Tips To Beat the Heat and Ace the Day
- Voters in North Carolina tribe back adult use of marijuana in referendum
- Dove Cameron taps emotion of her EDM warehouse days with Marshmello collab 'Other Boys'
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Jessica Alba's Comments About Her Bond With Her Kids Are Sweet as Honey
- New Toyota Century SUV aims to compete with Rolls Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga
- Chiefs star Chris Jones watches opener vs. Lions in suite amid contract holdout
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Victims of Michigan dam collapse win key ruling in lawsuits against state
Rail operator fined 6.7 million pounds in Scottish train crash that killed 3
Police search a huge London park for a terrorism suspect who escaped from prison
Could your smelly farts help science?
UN goal of achieving gender equality by 2030 is impossible because of biases against women, UN says
Why Mark-Paul Gosselaar Regrets This Problematic Saved by the Bell Scene
This week on Sunday Morning (September 10)