Maine to Decide on Adoption of California-Style Vehicle Emission Standards

The proposal, facing opposition from Republican lawmakers, aims to boost electric vehicle sales and limit new gas-powered vehicles.

Maine's Board of Environmental Protection is set to decide next week on whether to adopt California-style regulations to limit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles and boost electric vehicle sales.
If approved, the standards would require at least 43% of new vehicles to have zero emissions by 2027 and 82% of new vehicles to have zero emissions by 2032.
The proposal has faced opposition from Republican lawmakers in Maine who argue the regulations 'go too far' and 'too fast'.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing car and truck manufacturers, supports Maine's efforts but notes that consumer acceptance and the need for additional charging ports are hurdles.
The proposal was brought forward by the Natural Resources Council of Maine through a process that allows any Maine resident to submit an agenda item with 150 signatures of registered voters.