Maine Vote on Gas-Powered Vehicle Regulations Delayed Until 2024

The delay, caused by a storm, pushes the proposed rules' effective year to 2028 and reopens public comment until February 5, 2024.

A key vote in Maine to adopt regulations that would drastically cut gas-powered vehicle sales has been delayed until 2024 due to a storm causing widespread power outages.
The Board of Environmental Protection, which was set to vote on the regulations, will not reconvene until the new year.
The delay means the proposed rules, which would require 82% of vehicle sales to be zero emissions by the 2032 model year, must be amended to go into effect for the 2028 model year instead of the 2027 model year.
Public comment on the proposed regulations has been reopened until Feb. 5, 2024.
Critics and supporters of the regulations have voiced their opinions, with critics arguing the power outages highlight the need for reconsideration and supporters blaming the storm on climate change and calling for decisive action.