[ad_1]
Maine environmental regulators are set to determine whether or not the state will be part of a rising quantity of states adopting new standards designed to develop the use of electrical automobiles.
The guidelines, which originated in California, would require an rising share of new light-duty automobiles to be zero emission automobiles yearly. The new standards would begin with 51% in 2028 and develop to 82% by 2032.
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection is ready to vote on the proposal Wednesday in a vote that has been anticipated for weeks. The proposal has encountered a blended reception in Maine, the place some have mentioned it could pace up the already-growing adoption of electrical automobiles.
TRUMP CAMPAIGN RESPONDS IN FORCE AFTER BIDEN CRACKS DOWN ON GAS CARS, VOWS ‘DAY ONE’ REVERSAL
“Consumers in Maine are already rapidly adopting electric vehicles,” mentioned Sarah Krame, employees legal professional 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, together with distinguished state Republicans, have described the transfer as unsuitable for the state’s economic system and geography, and mentioned it could heap prices onto shoppers.
FILE – Electric automobiles are lined up on the market as a substitute for gas-powered vehicles at Walker Motors, a Ford dealership, in Montpelier, Vt., Monday, June 16, 2008. The neighboring state of Maines environmental regulators are set to determine, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, whether or not the state will be part of a rising quantity of states adopting new standards designed to develop the use of electrical automobiles. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File)
“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,” mentioned House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham late final yr.
A dozen states have adopted the electrical car standards, and 17 states have adopted all or half of California’s low-emission and zero-emission car rules, in line with the California Air Resources Board. The proposals have discovered assist in Democratically-controlled states.
Meanwhile, gross sales of electrical automobiles have begun to sluggish. The Biden administration introduced new emissions standards on Wednesday that would enhance the business.
Transportation is a significant contributor to Maine’s greenhouse fuel emissions, and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has made tackling local weather change a significant piece of her tenure.
The state acquired lots of of feedback in regards to the electrical car proposal prematurely of Wednesday’s assembly. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a commerce group that represents automotive producers, testified in assist of the proposal.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The proposal may nonetheless must clear extra hurdles, as state lawmakers are considering laws that would enable them to in the end make the ultimate determination.
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink